It Don't Mean a Thing
Mr. Hypno & His Lo-Fi's Hit Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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" is a classic jazz composition that emphasizes the importance of swing in music. The lyrics suggest that a song, no matter how sweet or hot it may be, is meaningless without that particular feel and rhythm that is created by swing. The song is essentially telling us that it is not just about the notes you play; it's about how you play them.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" over a syncopated and swinging rhythm. The lyrics then suggest that all you need to do is sing, implying the simplicity of the concept of swing. The song is emphasizing that we don't necessarily need complex arrangements or intricate melodies to make great music; we just need to execute those basic elements with precision and groove.


Overall, "It Don't Mean a Thing" is a celebration of the importance of swing in jazz and its role in creating an irresistible, toe-tapping rhythm that engages audiences. The song has been covered countless times by jazz and swing musicians over the years and has become a staple in the genre.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
A statement implying that something is insignificant or unimportant


If it ain't got that swing
The presence of a certain quality is necessary for the previous statement to hold true


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Repetitive, nonsensical sounds meant to serve as a musical interlude


All you got to do is sing
The solution to the problem posed in the previous statement is to perform a specific action


It makes no diff'rence
A contradictory statement that undermines the previous assertion


If it's sweet or hot
The quality being discussed is not limited to a specific taste or style


Just give that rhythm
A directive to focus on the musical aspect of the situation


Ev'rything you got
Put forth maximum effort and energy


Oh, it don't mean a thing
Reiteration of the initial assertion


If it ain't got that swing
Repeat of the second line to reinforce the necessity of the quality being discussed


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude to close out the song




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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