Don't mean a thing
Charlie and the Bachelors Lyrics
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If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The song "It Don't Mean a Thing" by Charlie Byrd is a jazz classic that speaks to the importance of swing in music. Swing is a style of jazz characterized by a strong, syncopated rhythm that makes listeners want to dance. In the song, the singer sings that it doesn't matter if a song is sweet or hot - it needs to have swing in order to be meaningful. The rhythmic pattern of "doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah" throughout the song reinforces the idea of swing and adds a playful element.
The lyrics also suggest that swing is not just about the music, but also about the emotion and energy that the performer brings to the song. The line "Just give that rhythm everything you got" implies that a performer needs to be fully committed to the music and put their all into playing or singing with swing. This sentiment is reflective of the improvisational nature of jazz, where musicians are encouraged to take risks and express themselves freely.
Overall, "It Don't Mean a Thing" is a timeless tribute to the importance of swing in jazz music. The simple yet catchy melody, combined with the rhythmic playfulness of the lyrics, make it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The existence of something is not important
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has swing or rhythm, it has no value
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
N/A
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
N/A
It don't mean a thing
The existence of something is not important
All you got to do is sing
Singing with rhythm or swing is what gives it value
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
N/A
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
N/A
It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's mellow or energetic
Just give that rhythm
Provide that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Put in all of your effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The existence of something is not important
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has swing or rhythm, it has no value
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
N/A
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
N/A
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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