Satin Doll
Ella & Basie Lyrics


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Cigarette holder which wigs me
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
I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me

Swich-e-rooney
Telephone numbers well you know




Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that's my satin doll

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Satin Doll" by Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie describe a beautiful and sophisticated woman who catches the attention of the singer. He is enamored by her style and grace, and she seems to be aware of her allure. The first verse mentions a cigarette holder that the woman is carrying, and the singer finds himself drawn in by her aura. As she walks away, he can't help but follow her, feeling like they should go out and enjoy the night together.


The second verse refers to the woman as a "satin doll," which can be interpreted as her being rich and luxurious, or simply very attractive. The singer is careful not to appear too eager or flashy, wanting to maintain his coolness and finesse. He acknowledges that she is clever and attentive, so he must also be calculating in his approach. The final line, "doing my rhumbas with uno," suggests that the singer is enjoying the company of his "satin doll" and dancing the night away with her.


Overall, the lyrics in "Satin Doll" celebrate the beauty and allure of a sophisticated and confident woman. The singer is entranced by her, but also wary of appearing too eager or foolish in her presence. The song has a smooth, jazzy feel that perfectly captures the suave atmosphere of its lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Cigarette holder which wigs me
She holds a cigarette that looks good on her and catches my attention.


Over her shoulder she digs me
She glances at me while looking over her shoulder and I can tell she likes me.


Out cattin' that satin doll
She is out and about having a good time and looking beautiful while doing it.


Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Would you like to go out and have fun dancing and skipping around together?


Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Be careful friend, you are acting impulsively and maybe even recklessly.


Speaks Latin that satin doll
The way she speaks is sophisticated and elegant, like Latin.


She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
She is intelligent and won't fall for any tricks, so I need to act relaxed and collected.


I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me
I am willing to try and win her over, but I won't let her control me or make a fool of me.


Swich-e-rooney
An expression of excitement or surprise.


Telephone numbers well you know
I have many phone numbers of women who like me.


Doing my rhumbas with uno
I am dancing and having a good time with one woman.


And that's my satin doll
She is the woman I am enjoying my time with and is the most special to me.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, JOHNNY MERCER, BILLY STRAYHORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@gwaithwyr

Brilliant. 

@counciwillagray1797

Forever ""THE FIRST LADY OF SONG" and what can anyone say about the "COUNT BASIE?"

@deborahgeorgieva644

Cigarette holder which wigs me
Over her shoulder, he digs me.
Out cattin' that satin doll.
Baby, shall we go out skippin ?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin',
Speaks Latin that satin doll.
He's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be.
I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no boy catching me,
Swich-e-rooney.
Telephone numbers well you know,
Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that'n my satin doll.

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