If
David Matthews Orchestra 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 lyrics of David Matthews Orchestra's song "If" express the significance of swing in music. The first lines of the song indicate that the most important aspect of music is its swing, which means it's rhythmic and groovy. 'It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing' implies that music might have all the vocal talent and sophisticated arrangements, but it's incomplete without an appealing swing element. The lyrics define swing as a vital component of music and the absence of it makes the music incomplete.
The lyrics further suggest that the key to bringing out the swinging and groovy element in music is singing. 'All you got to do is sing' - this means that the vocal performance is the most important factor to bring rhythm and groove to the music. The last few lines suggest that sweetness or hotness doesn't matter; what matters is the rhythm. 'It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot, just give that rhythm everything you've got..' The song emphasizes the importance of rhythm and groove in music, and how it's incomplete without it.
Overall, the lyrics of 'If' perfectly capture the essence of swing music, and how it plays a critical role in music. Its lyrics suggest that not having a rhythm to music is like having no life in it. The song portrays swing as a vital element and without it, a piece of music is incomplete.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
This thing being referred to is insignificant and does not matter
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has a certain rhythm to it, it is of no importance
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetitive vocalizations meant to emphasize the importance of the previous line
It don't mean a thing
This thing being referred to is insignificant and does not matter
All you got to do is sing
Simply vocalizing can make this thing meaningful, but only if it has a certain rhythm
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetitive vocalizations meant to emphasize the importance of the previous line
It makes no diff'rence
No distinction is made between something sweet or hot
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it is mellow or intense is not relevant
Just give that rhythm
Maintain that specific beat
Ev'rything you got
With all of your energy and effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
This thing being referred to is insignificant and does not matter
If it ain't got that swing
It needs a specific rhythm in order to be meaningful
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetitive vocalizations meant to emphasize the importance of the previous line
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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