It Don't Mean a Thing
Duke Ellington & his Orchestra; vocal by 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" written by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills makes a statement that regardless of the type of music, if it doesn't have "swing" or rhythm, it simply does not matter. Duke Ellington's band was known for its swing sound and this song became an anthem for the swing era, a style of jazz which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s.
In the opening lines, Ellington sings "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" and repeats it throughout the song. The use of repetition emphasizes the message that the song carries. Ellington emphasizes that while melody is important, it's the rhythm that keeps the music alive. The phrase "doo wah" emphasizes the rhythm and has since become iconic, as it's universally recognized as a scat. The song's lyrics were also a commentary on the rise of commercial music during the time period, which was often void of the soul and rhythm of jazz music.
The song was first recorded on February 2, 1932, by Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra. On the original recording, Ivie Anderson sang the vocals. To signify the importance of swing in music, the song has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, with Ella Fitzgerald's version becoming the most popular.
The song is regarded as one of Duke Ellington's most popular compositions and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The song does not hold value or significance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless the song has a certain upbeat rhythm and style, it is not worth listening to
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
It don't mean a thing
The song does not hold value or significance
All you got to do is sing
To make the song valuable, one only needs to sing it with the proper swing rhythm and style
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction or preference in terms of the sweetness or spiciness of the song
If it's sweet or hot
Whether the song has a mellow or energetic tone makes no difference
Just give that rhythm
Put emphasis on the swing rhythm and style
Ev'rything you got
Give it all the energy and passion possible
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The song does not hold value or significance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless the song has a certain upbeat rhythm and style, it is not worth listening to
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These sounds represent the swing rhythm and style that the song requires
Lyrics Ā© BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
One of the greatest records ... ever. I love the trombones behind Johnny Hodges' solo.
C Porter
there will never be a more year defineing song like this for 1932
Laurent James
Premier enregistrement de la chanteuse Ivie Anderson avec Duke Ellington.
Joseph Arthur
The Duke of Ellington
frijolero 604
Great record. Hey Duke, you didn't put Ivie's name on the record! š