Satin Doll
The Boston Pops Orchestra John Williams Lyrics


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Cigarette holder which wigs me
Over her shoulder she digs me
Out cattin' that satin doll
Baby, shall we go out skippin'?

Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Speaks Latin that satin doll
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
I'll give it a whirl, but I ain't for no girl catching me

Swich-e-rooney
Telephone numbers well you know




Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that's my satin doll

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Boston Pops Orchestra John Williams's song Satin Doll speak to the experience of being enamored with an elegant and sophisticated woman, who the singer describes as a "satin doll." The character in the song is seduced by her charms and drawn to her beauty, but also acknowledges that she is a complex and intelligent woman, speaking Latin and being "nobody's fool." The line "out cattin' that satin doll" hints at her independent and adventurous spirit, while the caution to "be careful" shows that she is not to be underestimated.


The second verse of the song continues to describe the allure of the satin doll, with the singer keeping his distance, "playing it cool as can be" while he tries to win her over. He mentions "telephone numbers" and "rhumbas" as possible ways to win her favor, perhaps suggesting that material possessions or a shared love of music might catch her attention. The song ends with a triumphant declaration that the satin doll belongs to the singer, emphasizing her status as a treasured possession.


Overall, Satin Doll is a song about the complexity and mystery of women, and the allure that they hold over men. It suggests that women can be both elegant and adventurous, both intelligent and alluring, and that their charms are to be respected and appreciated.


Line by Line Meaning

Cigarette holder which wigs me
Her cigarette holder grabs my attention


Over her shoulder she digs me
She's showing interest in me


Out cattin' that satin doll
She's out having a good time


Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Do you want to go out dancing?


Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Be careful, friend, you're losing control


Speaks Latin that satin doll
She speaks a language I don't understand


She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
She's smart, so I don't want to mess things up by being too forward


I'll give it a whirl, but I ain't for no girl catching me
I'll try my luck, but I won't let any girl trap me


Swich-e-rooney
Unexpected change of topic


Telephone numbers well you know
I have lots of phone numbers


Doing my rhumbas with uno
I'm dancing the rhumba with one person


And that's my satin doll
And that's the girl I like




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, JOHNNY MERCER, BILLY STRAYHORN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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