It Don't Mean A Thing
Ivie Anderson & Duke Ellington Lyrics

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.