Satin Doll
Duke Ellington Orchestra Lyrics
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Over her shoulder she digs me
Out cattin' that satin doll
Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Speaks Latin that satin doll
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
Swich-e-rooney
Telephone numbers well you know
Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that's my satin doll
The lyrics of Duke Ellington Orchestra's song Satin Doll are a testament to the charm of a woman. The cigarette holder, wigs, and the satin doll itself all contribute to the atmosphere of the song. The singer in the song is in pursuit of this satin doll and he is infatuated with her. He is trying to win her over by asking her to go out and suggesting that they go skipping. However, he also acknowledges that she is nobody's fool, and so he is playing it cool to not fall for her.
The song references telephone numbers and rhumbas, which all reinforce the idea that the singer is intensely lusting after this woman. The use of "speaks Latin" also adds an air of sophistication to the object of his desire. Overall, Satin Doll is a song full of passion and flirtation in pursuit of a beautiful woman.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarette holder which wigs me
The cigarette holder she holds while smoking her cigarette makes me swoon.
Over her shoulder she digs me
She looks back over her shoulder, and gives me a look that makes me feel desired.
Out cattin' that satin doll
She is out and about, socializing and enjoying herself, like a glamorous doll made of satin.
Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Would you like to go out and dance together, my dear?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Be cautious, my friend, you're falling too hard for her.
Speaks Latin that satin doll
She has a mysterious allure about her and speaks in a way that fascinates me.
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
She is a smart woman, so I am trying my best to remain calm and collected around her.
I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me
I will try to pursue her, but I will not let myself be easily caught by any woman.
Swich-e-rooney
An exclamation used to express enthusiasm or excitement.
Telephone numbers well you know
I have the phone numbers of many women, but only one captures my heart like this satin doll.
Doing my rhumbas with uno
I am dancing the rhumba with one particular woman, the satin doll.
And that's my satin doll
She is the one I desire, and she is the woman I want to be with.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Jabbarjohnson
For a video to be almost 60 years old the quality is amazing!
@wowanothercookie
Agreed!!
@jwguitar
You know I was thinking the exact same thing while I was watching this!
@wertj3977
If you read the descrption, it's because the film had been remastered.
@Jabbarjohnson
@Tee Well they did a pretty darn good job of remastering. Kudos to those who did it.
@caricatureparty
Wow. I thought it was 1980.
@bundolo48
“If it sounds good, it IS good.”
― Duke Ellington
@earlrobicheaux2632
Most people will never understand. It is what is behind the notes. RIP Duke.
@coolb1droid640
indeed indeed.
@lxuaes6915
@Cool B1 Droid can you explain the above comment to me? behind the notes?