It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Feat. Ivie Anderson 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
@A0.917
She should be more widely recognized as the original female lead singer
@potroastpig
I recently discovered Ivie Anderson after watching A Day at the Races. Her voice is incredible, so much power and feeling. It’s sad her name isn’t more main stream, but I’m excited to get to know more of her work <3
@politonno2499
One of my all-time favourites
@BonaventureDjamie
A jazz masterpiece...
@wiscgaloot
What a voice! And such a beautiful woman. Born in Gilroy CA! My town.
@mmraider8124
Me too! I was first introduced to her when I paid a visit to our local museum. I want to know more about her.
@mmraider8124
She is from my hometown. I was first introduced to her when visiting a local museum. It's a shame no one really knows about her.
@wyattchristensen608
I've been looking for this version for soooooo long. Thank you random 2015 stranger for having swing!
@fsands69
lol me too
@A0.917
I'm looking for a trio that did this in a round fashion. Not puppini or Boswell or Anderson's