It Don't Mean a Thing
Duke Ellington; Louis Armstrong 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 song "It Don't Mean A Thing" by Duke Ellington (and famously covered by Ella Fitzgerald) is a playful, upbeat tune celebrating the importance of that intangible musical quality known as "swing." The lyrics emphasize that no matter how sweet or hot a song may be, if it doesn't have that rhythmic vitality and energy, then it ultimately falls flat. The repeated refrain of "doo wah" serves as a catchy, scat-like filler, emphasizing the pulsing beat of the music.
What's interesting about these lyrics is that they can be read as a broader metaphor for life itself. Just as a song needs swing to come alive, perhaps life needs a certain sense of rhythm, momentum, and joy to truly thrive. The song's upbeat, carefree melody encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment, rather than getting bogged down in perfectionism or overthinking.
Overall, "It Don't Mean A Thing" is a delightful paean to the power and joy of music, and a reminder that sometimes the most important thing is simply to let the rhythm move you.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
Success can be empty without true beauty and style
If it ain't got that swing
Without passion and excitement, nothing is truly worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
It don't mean a thing
Success can be empty without true beauty and style
All you got to do is sing
You can make something special just by putting your heart and soul into it
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's a slow ballad or an upbeat track
Just give that rhythm
Put all of your energy into the beat
Ev'rything you got
Give it your all
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Success can be empty without true beauty and style
If it ain't got that swing
Without passion and excitement, nothing is truly worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheRealForrestGeorge
What good is melody, what good is music
If it ain't possessin' something sweet?
Nah, it ain't the melody and it ain't the music
There's something else that makes this tune complete
Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Well, it don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
It don't mean a thing, don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing
I said, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Nah, it makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Don't mean a thing, boy, if it ain't that a swing
@wtfman071
1.) Duke Ellington-Singer
Louis Armstrong-Singer, Trumpet
Barney Bigard-Clarinet
Trummy Young-Trombone
Mort Herbert-Bass
Danny Barcelona-Drums
2.) Swing
3.) 32 Bar Popular Song Form
4.) I had a different version of this same song where the trumpet player was making some extremely interesting noises using a mute, but I couldn't find any information on who was in that recording so I decided to use this recording.
@tommy.vercetti2003
What good is melody, what good is music
If it ain't possessin' something sweet?
Nah, it ain't the melody and it ain't the music
There's something else that makes this tune complete
Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Well, it don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
It don't mean a thing, don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing, boy
I said, it don't mean a thing, and all you gotta do is sing like
Nah, it makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Don't mean a thing, boy, if it ain't that a swing
@larsdybvad4789
Louis Armstrong! l loved you since 1959, when l was 7 years old. Your singing voice and trumpet: You are my favorite musician of all time. Thank you very much Louis. I love you !❤
@kahlilsykies9139
One of my many favorites from the master of jazz , Louis Armstrong. It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot. I love Louis Armstrong and this classic smooth sweet song.
@TheLisergicQueen
Jazz music is awesome!! :)
@kahlilsykies9139
Lisergic Queen Agreed ! I love modern jazz. But just ass much I enjoy the past eras , like the era of Louis Armstrong , Duke Ellington , Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday. I feel it's the "golden era " , but that's just me. love it ! And also future artist like the great Miles Davis. I really enjoy the history of the genre. Who are some of your favorites past and present ?.
@TheLisergicQueen
Kahlil Sykies twowname over all: john coltrane and charles mingus :) im kinda obsessed with their music, hehe
@kahlilsykies9139
Lisergic Queen Those are both great artist. I really enjoy Kenny G , Boney James and Keiko Matsui just to name a few. Jazz is a creative multidimensional genre , with so many talented artist. You seem to have some good taste. It's really cool chatting to others's who enjoy the genre and are informed. As it has gone completely underground , nice talking to from wherever you may be located.
@savard1981
Thank you Duke Ellington!!!!
@AhmedMohamed-uy7pk
This is the best piece of music I’ve ever heard, can’t wait to go to New Orleans and listen to this one day!
@JohnBumaye
One of the Best to ever do it
@mathieumades2356
Extraordinaire, un moment d'éternité !❤️