If
Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra/Louis Armstrong Lyrics


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What good is melody, what good is music
If it ain't possessin' something sweet?
Nah, it ain't the melody and it ain't the music
There's something else that makes this tune complete

Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Well, it don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got

Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
It don't mean a thing, don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing, boy
I said, don't mean a thing and all you got to do is sing like
Nah, it makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you've got, oh
Don't mean a thing, boy, if it ain't got-a-that a swing-a




A bo ba doop, bo bo ba doop
Take it

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the song "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," which was written by Duke Ellington and his lyricist, Irving Mills. The song explores the idea that melody and music are not enough to create a truly great piece of music. Rather, what takes a song to the next level is the swing, or the rhythmic drive that propels the music forward.


The lyrics suggest that regardless of whether the music is sweet or hot, it is the swing that truly makes a song complete. The singer emphasizes that it "don't mean a thing" if a tune lacks this key element. Instead, the real magic happens when the rhythm takes over and moves the listener to tap their feet, dance, or even sing along.


In its original form, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" was a fast-paced, upbeat jazz number that featured Duke Ellington and his orchestra. The song became an instant hit when it was released in 1932 and has since become a beloved jazz standard. Many other musicians, including Louis Armstrong, have covered the song over the years, putting their own spin on the classic tune.


Overall, the song is a celebration of the power of rhythm and the way in which it can elevate music to new heights. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just someone who appreciates a good beat, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is sure to get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face.


Line by Line Meaning

What good is melody, what good is music
If a piece of music lacks something sweet, then what's the point of the melody and the music?


If it ain't possessin' something sweet?
Why bother with melody and music if they're not complemented by something that sounds pleasant?


Nah, it ain't the melody and it ain't the music
The completion of a tune doesn't rely on melody and music alone.


There's something else that makes this tune complete
The completion of a tune depends on something else that is essential to the music.


Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
A piece of music doesn't matter if it lacks the right rhythm.


Well, it don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
Even if a tune is incomplete, singing can give it life.


It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
The rhythm can be either slow or fast, the essential part is having the right rhythm.


Just give that rhythm everything you got
Embrace the melody and give it everything you’ve got with the right rhythm.


Yes, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
It’s all about the swing – the rhythm that can make a tune successful.


It don't mean a thing, don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing, boy
A piece of music doesn’t matter if there is no ideal rhythm to support it.


I said, don't mean a thing and all you got to do is sing like
Just by singing and being confident, you can bring life to a piece of music.


Nah, it makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Regardless of tempo, the right rhythm is the key to successful music.


Just give that rhythm everything you've got, oh
When you find the right rhythm, you need to give every possible effort to make a tune successful.


Don't mean a thing, boy, if it ain't got-a-that a swing-a
Without the right rhythm, music is incomplete.


A bo ba doop, bo bo ba doop
This scat singing emphasizes the importance of the right rhythm.


Take it
Go ahead and embrace the rhythm – it’s the key to successful music.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

nosowisewoman

i rarely hear this played on radio, it's one of my favorites of his

Neko

If they made me a king I'd be but a slave to you
If I had everything I'd still be a slave to you
If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright
Still I'd turn for light to you
If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you
If I ruled the earth what would life be worth
If I hadn't the right to you
If I ruled the night, stars and moon so bright
Still I'd turn for light to you
If the world to me bowed yet humbly I'd flee to you
If my friends were a crowd I'd turn in my need to you
If I ruled the earth what would life be worth
If I hadn't the right to you ♪♫

Papageno mágico

Masters of masters

CB W

too essential...

Guido RR

Alguien vino por Victor Losa?

ajariguan

yo

Jorge M.

y por Martin Losa.😢

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