It Don't Mean a Thing
The Boston Pops Orchestra [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

These lyrics express 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 this point. The use of "doo wah" in the background also adds to the swing feel of the song.

The lyrics suggest that as long as the song has swing, it doesn't matter if it is sweet or hot, meaning slow or fast. The key to a good song is the rhythm and feel that it provides. It encourages the listener or musician to give everything they have to bring out the rhythm.

The song overall is a celebration of the importance of swing in music. It emphasizes that swing is the soul of music, and without it, a song is incomplete.

Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
If something doesn't have that swing, it's not worth much.

If it ain't got that swing
That certain element of energy and excitement is a must.

(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
The sound of swing music.

Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continued sound of swing music.

All you got to do is sing
Participate and contribute to the energy and excitement of the music.

It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter

If it's sweet or hot
Whether the music is slow and emotional or fast and intense.

Just give that rhythm
Focus and dedicate yourself to the beat of the music

Ev'rything you got
Put your full effort into it.

Oh, it don't mean a thing
Reiteration that without that swing, the music is lacking.

(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Sound of the swing music again.