Anderson was born in Gilroy, California. With a sweet clear singing voice, she was a popular attraction with Ellington's band. Her performance of "Stormy Weather" in the short film Bundle of Blues (1933) was eclipsed by the later and far better known version sung by Lena Horne in Horne's movie also entitled Stormy Weather (1943).
Over Ellington's long career as bandleader, his indifference toward vocalists changed with the hiring of Anderson, who generally considered the best vocalist he ever employed.
She also appeared as a singer in the Marx Brothers movie A Day at the Races (1937) and the same year in Hit Parade of 1937 (as Ivy Anderson).
Other Ellington songs featuring Anderson's include "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)", "My Old Flame", "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street", "Mood Indigo", "Rocks in My Bed" and "I Got It Bad & That Ain't Good".
She developed chronic asthma, which forced her to retire from touring in August 1942. She ran a chicken restaurant (Ivie's Chicken Shack) and continued singing in nightclubs on the west coast, but deteriorating health limited her engagements and led to her untimely death in Los Angeles, California.
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Ivie Anderson Lyrics
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Wah-dah-doo
Wah-dah-doo, dah-dah-doo, dah-dah-doo
It don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
It don't mean a thing
It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
Just keep that rhythm, give it everything you got
It don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
Wa-dah-dah-doo, da-da-doo, da-da-da-dohh
Shoop-dee-doo-dee-doo-dee-doo, dah-dah-dooh
It don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
The lyrics of Ivie Anderson's "It Don't Mean A Thing" communicate the importance of the characteristic quality of music that the African American community developed in the 1920s jazz age: swing. The song asserts that it does not matter how sweet or hot the music is but rather its ability to swing that gives it all the importance it has. The word "swing" in this context refers to the rhythm that is central to jazz music. Anderson argues that it is the swing that gets the listener captivated and "It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot," conversely all that is required is for the singer to keep the rhythm and give everything to keep the music alive.
Anderson's song is an anthem for the era of jazz music and the dance culture that arose from it. Her lyrics are a testament to the musical contributions made by African Americans and their unique approach to music. She highlights the cultural importance of jazz music, identifying it as music that brings people together from all walks of life. It can be deduced that the lyrics of It Don't Mean A Thing by Ivie Anderson addressed the widespread desire to be free from oppression and embrace collective freedom, even if it's just for a brief moment on the dance floor.
Line by Line Meaning
Wah-dah-doo
The melody is upbeat and energetic.
Wah-dah-doo
The rhythm of this song is lively and fun.
Wah-dah-doo, dah-dah-doo, dah-dah-doo
The music sets the tone for a great time.
It don't mean a thing
The song is explaining an important lesson.
If it ain't got that swing
Without energy and enthusiasm, things can be unenjoyable.
It don't mean a thing
This lesson applies to everything in life.
All you got to do is sing
If you put your heart into something, it can become joyful.
It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot
The mood is irrelevant if there's no passion and drive behind it.
Just keep that rhythm, give it everything you got
The key to success is always putting your all into everything you do.
It don't mean a thing
The lesson is important enough to repeat.
If it ain't got that swing
Having energy, spirit, and determination is crucial to enjoying anything in life.
Wa-dah-dah-doo, da-da-doo, da-da-da-dohh
The melody continues to be lively and upbeat.
Shoop-dee-doo-dee-doo-dee-doo, dah-dah-dooh
The music continues to be lively and engaging.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind