It's Your Thing
Shirley Scott And The Soul Saxes Lyrics
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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)
"It's Your Thing" by Shirley Scott And The Soul Saxes is a classic funk track that emphasizes the importance of swing in music. The lyrics suggest that regardless of how sweet or hot the rhythm may be, if it doesn't have that swing - that extra bounce that makes people want to move - then it simply won't be as effective. The track encourages the listener to focus on the feeling behind the music, rather than just the technical aspects of it.
The repeating doo-wahs and emphasis on rhythm throughout the song further drive home the importance of swing. The lyrics could also be interpreted as a nod to the improvisation and spontaneity that often go hand in hand with jazz and other forms of music that rely heavily on swing. Overall, the song serves as a celebration of the power of rhythm and groove to move people.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The value of something is insignificant
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has a certain quality or characteristic, it is not worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Instrumental interlude
All you got to do is sing
All it takes is effort or participation
It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction in outcome
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it is pleasant or intense
Just give that rhythm
Commit to the beat
Ev'rything you got
Put forth all of your effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The value of something is insignificant
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has a certain quality or characteristic, it is not worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Instrumental interlude
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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