It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Ernie Wilkins And His Orchestra Lyrics

"It Don't Mean A Thing" is a classic swing jazz tune written by Duke Ellington and originally recorded by his orchestra in 1932. The song is all about the importance of swing in jazz music - without that syncopated, swinging feel, even the sweetest melody or hottest solo won't mean a thing.

The lyrics repeatedly emphasize this point, with the chorus declaring "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." The "doo wah" vocal interjections accentuate the beat and add some playful scatting to the mix. The song notes that the swing rhythm is what counts, whether it's "sweet or hot" - in other words, whether the song is an upbeat dance tune or a slow ballad, it needs that swinging feel to really come alive.

The song is more than just a statement of musical philosophy, however; it's also a fun, upbeat tune that showcases the talents of Ellington's band. The instrumentation bounces around with a lively energy, and each musician gets plenty of opportunities to show off their skills. The song has become a jazz standard and has been covered by countless artists over the decades.