It Don't Mean A Thing
Rosemary Clooney / Duke Ellington And His Orchestra 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

"It Don't Mean A Thing" is a classic Jazz song first recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra in 1931, with vocals by Ivie Anderson. The song is all about swing, and the message is clear: a song doesn't mean anything if it doesn't have swing. The lyrics emphasize the importance of the rhythm, and how sweet or hot the melody might be is irrelevant. It's all about the beat and energy.

The song's repeated "doo wah" refrain adds to the energy and swing, emphasizing the simplicity and universality of the message. Anyone can understand the importance of swing and rhythm, and the song encourages everyone to sing along. The message of the song is still relevant today, as swing and the importance of rhythm in music remain critical elements of many musical styles.

Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
The words or actions we express won't matter or have significance.

If it ain't got that swing
Unless there is a certain rhythm or style present, everything will seem dull or uninteresting.

(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These nonsensical syllables represent the sound or beat of the song that is necessary for its success.

All you got to do is sing
To achieve the desired effect, simply sing along with the rhythm.

It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction between certain factors.

If it's sweet or hot
Regardless of whether it is pleasant or intense in nature.

Just give that rhythm
Focus on maintaining the proper beat or tempo of the music.

Ev'rything you got
Give it your all, put all your effort into maintaining the rhythm.

Oh, it don't mean a thing
The words or actions we express won't matter or have significance.

If it ain't got that swing
Unless there is a certain rhythm or style present, everything will seem dull or uninteresting.

(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These nonsensical syllables represent the sound or beat of the song that is necessary for its success.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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