It Don't Mean a Thing
His Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics of It Don't Mean a Thing by His Orchestra emphasize the importance of having a swing in music. The phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" repeats multiple times to drive this point home. The swing is a style of rhythm that relies on syncopation, where emphasis is placed on the off-beat, rather than the downbeat. The doo-wahs in the song mimic the sound of horns and scat singing, a vocal improvisation that uses nonsensical syllables.

The lyrics continue to stress that it doesn't matter whether the music is sweet or hot, as long as it has that rhythm. The line "Just give that rhythm everything you've got" encourages musicians to put their all into the music, to create that swinging sound. The repetition of "doo wah" reinforces the playful energy of the song, as if the musicians are egging each other on to keep up the momentum.

Overall, the lyrics of It Don't Mean a Thing celebrate the joy and energy of swing music. It's a call to action for all musicians, reminding them that the most important aspect of music is creating a beat that makes people want to move.