In A Mellow Tone
Duke Ellington & Луи Армстронг Lyrics


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In a mellow tone
Feeling fancy free
And I'm not alone
I've got company

Everything's OK
The live long day
With this mellow song
I can't go wrong

In a mellow tone
That's the way to live
If you mope and groan
Something's gotta give

Just go your way
And laugh and play
There's joy unknown
In a mellow tone

In a mellow tone

In a mellow tone
Feeling fancy free
And I'm not alone
I've got company

Everything's OK
The live long day
With this mellow song
I can't go wrong

In a mellow tone
That's the way to live
If you mope and groan
Something's gotta give

Just go your way
And laugh and play
There's joy unknown
In a mellow tone




In a mellow tone
In a mellow tone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Duke Ellington Quartet's song "In A Mellow Tone" are all about enjoying life and feeling good. The repeated phrase "In a mellow tone" sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the laid-back, carefree attitude the singer is promoting. The first verse sets the scene: the singer is feeling fancy-free and has the company of others, creating a sense of community and warmth. The second verse continues the theme of positivity, suggesting that everything is okay and that the mellow song being sung is ensuring this.


The chorus reinforces the importance of the mellow tone and the way it can affect one's life. The advice given is to not "mope and groan," suggesting that a positive attitude is key to success and happiness. Going your own way, laughing, and playing are encouraged, with the added message that joy can be found in a mellow tone. The final repetition of "In a mellow tone" serves as a closing reminder of the song's overall message.


Overall, the song is all about taking life easy and finding joy in the little things. With its laid-back melody and encouraging lyrics, it's a great reminder to keep a positive attitude and embrace the happy moments in life.


Line by Line Meaning

In a mellow tone
Feeling relaxed and easygoing


Feeling fancy free
Without a care in the world


And I'm not alone
In good company


Everything's OK
Nothing to worry about


The live long day
All day long


With this mellow song
This calming tune


I can't go wrong
Everything will be all right


That's the way to live
Living in a relaxed state


If you mope and groan
If you complain and feel down


Something's gotta give
Eventually things will change


Just go your way
Do your own thing


And laugh and play
Have fun and enjoy life


There's joy unknown
There is happiness to be discovered


In a mellow tone
In a laid-back manner


In a mellow tone
Being relaxed and carefree


In a mellow tone
Living in a peaceful state




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@bobtaylor170

I pity people - and it's the vast majority of Americans - who don't know this exists, that these greatest of American musicians ever even lived. What a gift having this on video is.

@bobtaylor170

@@BarracusObamus , you'd be shocked by how few people would. There is a guy in my church who is a 24 year old doctoral student in chemistry at Notre Dame. He's not just a science nerd, either. He had never heard of Lucille Ball when I mentioned her in conversation with him a few weeks ago.

@jimmarchman

I'm an old white guy now and I tried desperately to play piano for ten years when I was young. Later I learned I was terrible at math beyond basic algebra and basic geometry. It made me feel better (and more in awe) of musicians as its all mathematics. God bless these fellows for sharing their talents with the rest of us.

@steveknows62

@@bobtaylor170
I agree with you. The dumbing down of the culture is pretty much complete.
But what's worse is that the lessons of WW2 have also been relegated to ancient history, thus setting the stage for a repeat of it.

@koko-pu5vn

Amen brother!!

@podulox

I grew up with this kind of thing, on tape, on long journeys in the car...
Now I have good speakers, mixer et - Input/output is sorted... Now it's the recordings that let ALL of us down :(
THANK Dog FOR SKA! At least Ska gets redone regularly...
I DARE YOU - REDO BIGBAND!!!
(Yes, you...)

28 More Replies...

@bobjames5264

This is SOLID GOLD!! As soon as my 84-year-old father heard the trumpet from upstairs, he asked, “Is that Satchmo??!!” Respect!!

@stenekegren9395

It's like watching Beethoven and Mozart performing together on the same stage!

@Dmitriev49

Oh, yes! That's right!

@johnmc3862

Indeed, 2 of the big 5 on one stage! Coltrane, Davis and Parker being the others.

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