It Don't Mean a Thing
Mr. Hypno & His Lo-Fi's Hit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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)
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)
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
@lulamaemccarter1777
As an African American woman
Born in riverside ca.
I'm 51 years old
Traveling the world.
Doing humanitarian work.
My sister in ELI A BELLE.
TAUGHT ME REAL LOVE!
FAMILY.
My niece was born one month after me.
Perris mv!
I now live in Mexico.
Razza!
May our lord bless you kid.
The MOTHER BE WITH YOU ALWAYS My brother.
@cesarlira6543
@@themako990mako9 PrimeraMente(Dios)ElCreadorNosDaRaVictoriaYYaSeLoSavenYTodoMéxicoElPatronDeTodosAtodaMaDreOooUn
DesMadreItMeansEvrything
IZGoodOhUnDesMadreIt
MeansFuckYallNaziAnd
EvrythingYall(RazitasWeroSStandFor)
MeAndMaJentEisRedayFor
Anthing...Cho.kor.Chi.LatinAmericaYtodoMexicoYTodoIslamWeMexSReday...Fuck
AllYallRacistasWErOSWeIs
Ready...ComeAndTakeITTexAs!SReday...
@json2317
I'm black and I love this song. This is not a Mexican rap classic, this is a hip hop classic.
@luleetomas2108
Right???
@gamecrazyoo1
¿Por que no los dos ?
@amuviroad7928
Thats right, I am not Mexican either but this song I grew up listening to on MTV raps. On the Real!
@pricklypear6384
❤❤❤
@johan6772
🇲🇽
@Moonlava722
Played this at my wedding back in 92. We all got up and just had fun. Still married 31 years later.
@justaskmike4602
🎉
@govindakumar9177
What a good song to play at your wedding 👌
@topoppositionsmedia1680
Beautiful 💪🔥 love from the northern raza