It don
Chet Atkins Lyrics


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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)
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)
It makes no diff'rence
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)

Overall Meaning

Chet Atkins's "It Don't Mean A Thing" is a simple tune that is underpinned by a profound message. The song is an ode to the importance of swing to music. The lyrics state that it does not matter if the music is sweet or hot as long as it swings. As the chorus proclaims, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing."


The lyrics are a reminder that songwriters and musicians cannot simply rely on melody or lyrics for a song to be successful. The most important element to capture is the rhythm of the music, which is what makes people want to move, dance, and feel good. The doo-wahs, doo-wahs, and scat singing in the song emphasize this point. The song encourages the listener to embrace the swing, which is an essential element of jazz and many other forms of music.


In conclusion, Chet Atkins's "It Don't Mean A Thing" celebrates the importance of the swing in music. It is a reminder that without the rhythm, music is simply notes and lyrics. The song encourages the listener to embrace the swing, which is an essential element of jazz and many other forms of music.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
The value of something can be meaningless


If it ain't got that swing
If it lacks a particular style or rhythm, it holds no significance


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Instrumental transition


It don't mean a thing
The value of something can be meaningless


All you got to do is sing
Adding a particular style or rhythm can give something value


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Instrumental transition


It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter


If it's sweet or hot
Regardless of the type or style


Just give that rhythm
The rhythm is all that matters


Ev'rything you got
Give it everything you have


Oh, it don't mean a thing
The value of something can be meaningless


If it ain't got that swing
If it lacks a particular style or rhythm, it holds no significance


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Instrumental transition




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Joey Towers

I still have this album... always makes me want to pile up my guitars and pour on the gasoline! =) what amazing talent!

Guilhermo Pedro Araujo DI Raphael

é  um privilegio poder expressar o que sinto por chet atkins sou um grande fam a muito tempo,e somente hoje resolvi compartilhar, pois começo a ouvi-lo e não paro mais. gostaria de poder viver uma eterniade ouvindo o que há de mais completo em instrumental na  musica

Benny Kyle

Can't believe anyone would dislike this.

Pollyanna

Benny Kyle me either!! :)

K6AAQ

I agree.....I was a Junior in high school when this came out - bought it and still have it.

Ralph Blasi

Absolute perfection!

muneer24

i have been looking for this for ever...and all i can say is OMG THANK YOU!

Dutch Mcfadyen

Whoever thumbs downed this video must not like the guitar 🎸 at all lol

Mark Blackburn

CHESTER & LESTER - It Don't Mean a Thing . . .
Beneath a cartoon just shared by a Facebook friend: A girl standing with a boy, next to a playground swing that is missing something vital. The swing!

SHE: “It don't mean a thing . . . ”

Favorite version for guitarists 'of an age' – from a Grammy-winning album by Les Paul – left channel, playing his custom Gibson 'Les Paul' solid-body electric (with low impedance pickups – no one else used them); Chet Atkins, stage right, playing his warmer-sounding signature Gretsch 'Country Gentleman.' Circa mid-70s. But you know all this, right?

Thanks for sharing Polyanna. Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family - Forum - "Siriusly Sinatra" - MY FAVORITE VERSION, YOURS TOO? https://sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/50225-My-Favorite-Version-%28yours-too-%29/page70

Anne Berruyer Mills

j' adore merci

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