Gene Krupa (1909 – 1973) was an American jazz and big band drummer and composer, known for his highly energetic and flamboyant style.
The two collaborated on occasion and their collaborations were usually drum-centric and in the big band jazz tradition.
It Don't Mean a Thing
Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich 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 lyrics of Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich's song 'It don't mean a thing' express the idea that music lacks meaning unless it has a swing rhythm. The phrase 'It don't mean a thing' is repeated several times to emphasize this point. The song suggests that the swing rhythm is what brings the music to life and without it, music is flat and lacking energy.
The opening lines of the song, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," is a statement that has come to embody swing as a whole. The song expresses the importance of the rhythm in the swing genre and how it is the heartbeat of the style. The lyrics also highlights the idea that a song can be either sweet, which represents a slow tempo, or hot, which represents a fast tempo, as long as it has that swing.
The song encourages people to focus more on the rhythm of the music, rather than the melody or the lyrics. The lyrics state that "all you got to do is sing" and put the emphasis on the rhythm. The message of the song is that the swing rhythm is what gives life to music, and without it, music is meaningless.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The lyrics suggest that having musical prowess is meaningless unless one can add a specific style of rhythm.
If it ain't got that swing
Swing, in this context, refers to the distinctive groove and rhythm that is essential to a musical piece's success.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The sound effect serves as a placeholder for the actual musical notes that are needed to create the swing that is referred to in the lyrics.
It don't mean a thing
The lyrics repeat to emphasize the importance of the swing rhythm in a successful musical piece.
All you got to do is sing
While the lyrics mention the importance of the rhythm, the second line underlines the role of the actual melody in tandem with the swing rhythm.
It makes no diff'rence
The details of the song's content, such as the pitch or the tone, are of little importance compared to the inclusion of the swing rhythm.
If it's sweet or hot
Whether the song's theme is light-hearted or serious, the inclusion of swing rhythm is paramount.
Just give that rhythm
The following phrase explains that the rhythm is so crucial that, regardless of other qualities of the song, it'll become appealing if the rhythm is carried out effectively.
Ev'rything you got
The musician or vocalist must put in their highest effort, skill, and energy to execute the rhythm perfectly.
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The final line underlines the central message of the entire song about the significance of the swing rhythm.
If it ain't got that swing
The last line reiterates the importance of swing rhythm in making a musical piece truly remarkable.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The sound effect at the end is repeated as it is throughout the song to remind listeners of the rhythm required.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind