Moody's Mood
Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers Lyrics

Chuck Brown's song "It Don't Mean A Thing" is an uptempo classic swing number that celebrates the importance of rhythm and swing. The opening line, "It don't mean a thing," suggests that without swing, rhythm, and momentum, the song will lack that essential ingredient that separates the greats from the mediocrities. The use of "doo wah" in the refrain reinforces this idea, as it shifts the focus from the lyrics themselves to the swing that propels the song forward.

The second line, "If it ain't got that swing," establishes swing as the central concern of the song. Brown is suggesting that no matter how melodious or profound a song's lyrics may be, they will ultimately fail if they don't have that swing to keep the toes tapping and the heart beating in time. Brown then further emphasizes the simplicity of this formula by saying that "All you got to do is sing" - as long as you have that swing, the words themselves don't matter much.

Finally, Brown suggests that it doesn't matter if the song is sweet or hot, slow or fast - as long as it has that swing. The song is ultimately an homage to the power of rhythm and the ability of music to inspire and uplift. With its infectious beat, upbeat lyrics, and impressive musicianship, "It Don't Mean A Thing" is a classic that continues to inspire new generations of listeners.