Braff was a wonderfully characterful and melodic player with an immediately identifiable sound and unique tone on the cornet, an uncommon instrument in post-war jazz. He style was fundamentally based on that of earlier players including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Bunny Berigan but he transcended these influences to always sounds fresh, sparky and somehow modern.
He was born in Boston and began playing in local clubs in the 1940s. In 1949, he was hired to play with the Edmond Hall Orchestra. He relocated to New York in 1953 where he was much in demand for band dates and recordings.
He died February 10, 2003, in Chatham, Massachusetts.
"Sure, they’ve made statements about my supposedly combining a modern approach with a feeling for traditional forms. Well, people say all sorts of things, because they want to categorise and label. I’ve only ever had two labels. Either it’s good or it stinks." - Ruby Braff speaking in 1968
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Ruby Braff 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)
These lyrics are from Ruby Braff's rendition of Duke Ellington's iconic song "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." The song is all about how rhythm is the most important element in music, and that without it, a song doesn't have the same impact. The repeated phrase "It don't mean a thing / If it ain't got that swing" emphasizes the idea that a song needs to have a strong and infectious rhythm in order to truly move people.
The song goes on to say that it doesn't matter if the song is "sweet or hot," as long as the rhythm is there. This could be interpreted as a statement on the importance of rhythm in any genre of music, whether it's a slow ballad or an upbeat jazz tune. The final line, "Just give that rhythm / Ev'rything you got," encourages musicians to put their all into creating that swing and making the song come alive.
Overall, "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" is a celebration of the power of rhythm in music, and a warning that without it, even the most beautiful melody or skillful instrumental performance can fall flat.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
This thing has no value or importance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses a certain rhythm or swagger
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocals mimicking musical instruments
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of vocal instrumentation
It don't mean a thing
This thing has no value or importance
All you got to do is sing
Just vocalize or express yourself
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocals mimicking musical instruments
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of vocal instrumentation
It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction or preference
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it is mellow or intense
Just give that rhythm
Provide that beat or tempo
Ev'rything you got
Put forth all your effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
This thing has no value or importance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses a certain rhythm or swagger
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocals mimicking musical instruments
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of vocal instrumentation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind