They signed to Decca in 1934, basically formed more traditional regular band, and even started performing live until they had their famous falling out in September, 1935.
It Don't Mean a Thing If it Ain't Got That Swing
Dorsey Brothers 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 to Dorsey Brothers’ song “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” convey the importance of having the right rhythm in music, particularly swing music. The phrase “it don’t mean a thing” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the significance of the rhythm in making the music meaningful. The lyrics stress that the quality of the music is not dependent on whether it is sweet or hot, but rather on the swing element. The use of nonsensical syllables like “doo wah” adds to the playful nature of the song while also adding an extra layer of rhythm.
The lyrics also suggest that it is easy to get people to join in on the rhythm – all they have to do is sing along. The song conveys a sense of inclusivity and community through the idea that anyone can join in on the swing regardless of their background or ability.
Overall, the lyrics to “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” emphasize the power of rhythm and swing in creating meaningful and engaging music that can be enjoyed by all.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
In order for something to have value or significance,
If it ain't got that swing
it must possess a certain quality of music known as 'swing.'
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
It don't mean a thing
Again, in order for something to have value,
All you got to do is sing
one must simply perform with the right technique and rhythm.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter
If it's sweet or hot
whether the music is mellow or energetic
Just give that rhythm
As long as the performance has the right rhythmic quality,
Ev'rything you got
the performer must give it their all.
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Once again, in order for something to have value,
If it ain't got that swing
it must possess a certain quality of music known as 'swing.'
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
An onomatopoeic representation of the rhythm of swing music.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind