Sing Me a Swing Song and Let Me Dance
Chick Webb & Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics

"Sing Me a Swing Song" by Chick Webb is a classic swing song that exemplifies the genre with its upbeat tempo and jazz-inspired instrumental breaks. The lyrics praise the lively, energetic style of swing music, and make it clear that the singer wants the band to focus on the rhythm and keep the dance floor moving. The opening lines "Give me a song that's robust / Feeling the way I am / Any old band'll go bust / If it ain't got that jam" emphasize the importance of a strong beat and engaging melody, while the chorus repeats the plea for a swing song: "Sing me a swing song and let me dance."

The second verse adds some playful flirtation to the song, with the singer addressing a potential dance partner and insisting that slow songs won't cut it: "Oh baby, I don't want you / To croon soft and mellow / Let me warn you in advance / Sing me a swing song and let me dance." The rest of the lyrics continue to exhort the band to play fast, lively music that will get everyone moving.

This song is a prime example of the swing era, a period of jazz music that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Swing music was defined by its energetic rhythms, brass and woodwind instruments, and emphasis on danceable beats. Chick Webb was a leading figure in the swing scene, and his band featured several talented musicians, including the young Ella Fitzgerald. "Sing Me a Swing Song" was a hit for Webb's orchestra and helped to establish his reputation as one of the top bandleaders of the day.