Satin Doll
Nancy Wilson Lyrics


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Cigarette holder which wigs me
Over her shoulder, she digs me.
Out cattin' that satin doll.

Baby, shall we go out skippin?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin',
Speaks Latin that satin doll.
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be.

I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me,
Switch-a-rooney!

Telephone numbers well you know,




Doin' my rhumbas with uno
And that 'in my Satin Doll.

Overall Meaning

The song "Satin Doll" by Nancy Wilson is a jazz standard written by Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington, and Billy Strayhorn. The song is about a sophisticated and elegant woman who leaves a strong impression on the singer. The song's opening line "Cigarette holder which wigs me" indicates that the woman is fashionable and classy, and her style leaves a lasting impact on the singer. The line "Over her shoulder, she digs me" indicates that she is aware of the singer's interest in her.


As the song progresses, the woman suggests that they go out together, but the singer is aware of her ability to manipulate him, saying "Baby, shall we go out skippin? Careful, amigo, you're flippin', Speaks Latin that satin doll." The line "Speaks Latin" could be interpreted as the woman's ability to use sophisticated language to her advantage. Despite being aware of the woman's charms, the singer is determined not to be "caught" by her.


The singer then goes on to mention "telephone numbers," which could be a reference to the woman's address book and the many admirers she has. The song ends with the line "Doin' my rhumbas with uno and that 'in my Satin Doll," indicating that the singer is making the most of his time, dancing with other women whilst still thinking of the Satin Doll.


Line by Line Meaning

Cigarette holder which wigs me
Her cigarette holder mesmerizes me


Over her shoulder, she digs me.
She turns to look at me and seems to like what she sees.


Out cattin' that satin doll.
She's out and about, strutting her stuff.


Baby, shall we go out skippin?
Hey, how about we go out dancing?


Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Watch yourself, friend, you're getting carried away.


Speaks Latin that satin doll.
She's got moves that are smooth and sophisticated.


She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be.
She's no pushover, so I better keep my cool.


I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me,
I'll dance with her, but I'm not going to let myself fall for her.


Switch-a-rooney!
I might change my mind though!


Telephone numbers well you know,
I've got a lot of phone numbers, you know.


Doin' my rhumbas with uno
I'm dancing the rumba with just one of them.


And that 'in my Satin Doll.
And that's what I'm doing with my satin doll.




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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