Satin Doll
Ella & Duke Ellington Lyrics

In Ella & Duke Ellington's song Satin Doll, the singer is describing a woman who he finds very attractive. The woman is carrying a cigarette holder which adds to her sophistication and elegance. She is also digging the singer by looking over her shoulder, which shows that she has some interest in him as well. However, the singer is cautious and is trying to play it cool even though he finds her irresistible. He suggests going out, but warns himself to be careful because he doesn't want to mess things up by being too forward. The woman speaks Latin, which adds to her allure and mystery. The singer knows that she is nobody's fool and so he tries to maintain his laid-back attitude. He is willing to give it a shot and see where things go, but he is not going to be caught off guard by any games she might play.

The use of words such as "satin" and "rhumbas" gives the song a romantic feel, while the use of colloquialisms like "swich-e-rooney" and "cattin'" brings a playful and lighthearted tone to the lyrics. The song was written by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Johnny Mercer in 1953 and became one of Ellington's biggest hits. Satin Doll has been performed by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole. The song is a classic example of the American Songbook and has become a jazz standard.