It Don't Mean a Thing
Nate Leath 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 lyrics of Nate Leath's song It Don't Mean a Thing celebrate the importance of swing in music. The phrase "it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the idea that a musical performance lacks meaning or significance if it doesn't have the element of "swing." Swing in music refers to the rhythmic and melodic development of a piece, where the notes are played with a particular emphasis and syncopation that creates a distinct and lively sound.
The repetition of "doo wah, doo wah" throughout the song adds to the lively and playful mood. In addition to the importance of swing, the lyrics also suggest that anyone can bring this energy to their performance by simply putting everything they've got into the rhythm. The lyrics suggest that it doesn't matter if the music is sweet or hot; as long as the rhythm is there, the music will have meaning.
Overall, the lyrics of Nate Leath's It Don't Mean a Thing celebrate the importance of swing and encourage performers to give their all to the rhythm to bring life to their music.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The subject in question is of no value or consequence
If it ain't got that swing
Unless the subject contains a particular type of rhythm, it is not worth considering
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical onomatopoeia mimicking the type of rhythm required
All you got to do is sing
In order to imbue the subject with value, all one must do is perform vocally
It makes no diff'rence
The distinction between differing qualities is irrelevant
If it's sweet or hot
Regardless of whether the subject possesses a mellow or intense quality
Just give that rhythm
Focus exclusively on providing that specific type of rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Devote all of one's energy and effort towards achieving the necessary rhythm
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The repeated confirmation that the subject has no worth unless it possesses the correct rhythm
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical onomatopoeia mimicking the type of rhythm required
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind