It Don't Mean a Thing
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra/Rosemary Clooney Lyrics

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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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra featuring Rosemary Clooney explore the importance of rhythm and swing in a musical composition. The song suggests that a melody or music, on their own, are not enough - they must possess “something sweet” or that “swing” to be truly complete. Swing refers to the rhythmic feel of jazz music, characterized by a strutting, syncopated rhythm that encourages dancing and movement. The song emphasizes that swing is what gives a piece of music its vitality and energy, regardless of the genre or style of music.

The lyrics of “It Don’t Mean a Thing” can be interpreted beyond music - the reference to “swing” can also be seen as a metaphor for life. The song could be interpreted as encouraging listeners to give their all and put everything into whatever they are doing, just as a jazz musician must give their all to the rhythm and swing of the music.

Overall, “It Don’t Mean a Thing” is a classic jazz standard that emphasizes the importance of rhythm and swing, not just in music but in life. Its upbeat, danceable melody and catchy lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and music lovers of all genres.

Line by Line Meaning

What good is melody, what good is music
Why bother with just a tune?

If it ain't possessin' something sweet?
If it doesn't have something special.

Nah, it ain't the melody and it ain't the music
Actually the tune doesn't matter as much.

There's something else that makes this tune complete
It's the swing of the rhythm that's really neat.

Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Without that rhythm, the song would be nothing.

Well, it don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
Anyone can sing along to the beat.

It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Whether slow or fast, the tempo's not a lot.

Just give that rhythm everything you got
Put all your energy into the groove, don't stop.

It don't mean a thing, don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing
The song won't have its soul if the rhythm doesn't bring.

I said, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Again, the essence of the song is in the rhythm's ring.

Nah, it makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
The speed's unimportant, it's the groove that hits the spot.

Just give that rhythm everything you got
Pour your heart into the beat, give it your best shot.

Don't mean a thing, boy, if it ain't that a swing
Without the rhythm, the song doesn't mean a thing.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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