Rabbit Ain't Got
The C.R.S. Players 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)
These lyrics are from the song "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" by Duke Ellington, a classic jazz standard. The song talks about the importance of having a good swing rhythm in music. The lyrics suggest that the quality of the music depends on whether or not it has a good swing rhythm, regardless of whether it is sweet or hot.
The repeated use of "doo wah" sounds is a reference to scat singing, a vocal improvisational technique used in jazz. The emphasis on the swing rhythm is typical of the jazz genre, which places great importance on rhythm and improvisation.
The lyrics suggest that all you need to do to have good music is to "sing" and "give that rhythm everything you've got." This is a call to musicians to put their heart and soul into their music, emphasizing the importance of passion and energy in creating good music.
Overall, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a classic jazz song that celebrates the importance of swing rhythm and the energy and passion that goes into making good music.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
This object or action is insignificant
If it ain't got that swing
Unless there's great rhythm and harmony
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocal sounds that represent rhythm
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of previous vocal sounds
It don't mean a thing
This object or action is insignificant
All you got to do is sing
Just need to bring rhythm and harmony
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocal sounds that represent rhythm
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of previous vocal sounds
It makes no diff'rence
It does not matter
If it's sweet or hot
Whether the music is mellow or lively
Just give that rhythm
Play with enthusiasm and good rhythm
Ev'rything you got
With all of your energy and ability
Oh, it don't mean a thing
This object or action is insignificant
If it ain't got that swing
Unless there's great rhythm and harmony
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Vocal sounds that represent rhythm
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuation of previous vocal sounds
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind