It Don't Mean a Thing
Lenny Solomon Lyrics


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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)
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)
It makes no diff'rence
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)

Overall Meaning

The song "It Don't Mean A Thing" by Lenny Solomon, originally written and composed by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, revolves around the importance of "swing" in music. The lyrics suggest that no matter how good the melody or the lyrics of a song may be, if it lacks swing and rhythm, then it's meaningless. The lyrics remind us that swing is the essential ingredient to any great music, be it sweet or hot. The chorus emphasizes this notion with repetition of the phrase, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing."


The lyrics also suggest that anyone can create good music if they have the talent to sing and the ability to play the rhythm with style. As the second verse says, "All you got to do is sing." In other words, if you have that feeling of swing within you, then you can create great music.


The lyrics' upbeat tempo and repetitive hooks emphasize the crucial role of swing in music, which has been vital in the development of jazz and popular music throughout the 20th century.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
It doesn't matter


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right rhythm


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)


It don't mean a thing
It doesn't matter


All you got to do is sing
Just sing it


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)


It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter


If it's sweet or hot
Regardless of its style


Just give that rhythm
Focus on the beat


Ev'rything you got
Put all your energy into it


Oh, it don't mean a thing
It really doesn't matter


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right rhythm


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)




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
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Comments from YouTube:

Daz Jo

You have put a huge smile on my face, Lenny. Great song, brilliant message.

Judy Herzfeld

Thanks to Ethan Bill for all the filming, recording, editing & drumming!!! You do beautiful work!!! &!Lenny sounds Great!! Terrific song off perfect No Limits Album.

Jonathan S. Weissman

...and Rochester, NY!

Jonathan S. Weissman

That's me in the gray Syracuse University sweatshirt and blue S hat at 1:19-1:21!

The 4 Corners Project

You look great! Thanks for being in the video!

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