Swing It Sister
The Mills Brothers 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

The Mills Brothers's song It Don't Mean a Thing is a testament to the importance of swing in music. The song emphasizes that a piece of music can be made more lively and enjoyable by applying swing to it. Swing is a style of music that emphasizes syncopated rhythms and a strong sense of groove, and the Mills Brothers make it clear that this is what is necessary for good music.


The lyrics suggest that the quality of a piece of music depends on the amount of swing that it has. It doesn't matter if the music is sweet or hot, as long as it has that swing. The phrase "All you got to do is sing" suggests that the swing is already within the performer, and all they have to do is let it out.


Overall, the song emphasizes the importance of swing in creating good music, and encourages listeners to embrace the groove and rhythm of the music they hear.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
The quality of something is insignificant


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right rhythm or vibe


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
A vocalization representing the sound of rhythm


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Another vocalization representing the sound of rhythm


It don't mean a thing
The quality of something is insignificant


All you got to do is sing
Just perform with the right rhythm or vibe


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
A vocalization representing the sound of rhythm


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Another vocalization representing the sound of rhythm


It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction


If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's mellow or lively


Just give that rhythm
Perform with the right rhythm or vibe


Ev'rything you got
Use all your energy and talent


Oh, it don't mean a thing
The quality of something is insignificant


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right rhythm or vibe


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
A vocalization representing the sound of rhythm


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Another vocalization representing the sound of rhythm




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@thetheater7610

when you hear the crazy beat
get up and get on your feet
swingin sister
give it everything you've got

when you've got a tune to rhyme
just throw everything a sign
swing in sister
make it sweet and make it hot

just let that rhythm
get into your soul
if you've got rhythm
get happy and lose control

while you're feeling mighty high
just let out and "hi-de-hi"
swing in sister
give it everything you've got



All comments from YouTube:

@Rusty-mt9qc

The Mills Brothers are one of the greatest vocal quartets of all time. This is the original group with all four brothers. It's great that this priceless piece of history has survived. Thanks.

@cynthiapickett5017

Rusty 123 Hopefully more footage of the original lineup will surface.

@rachelcolson8873

Yes. If u look around there is a lot of art we need to preserve

@nyar5863

Who downvotes these? Even if this isn't your kind of music, you have to admire how absolutely on POINT these gentlemen are.

@andreworourke3908

on point is right dude! hell yea

@Rehash84

En pointe

@thugravity

redditor moment

@ChaossX7

Their rivals the jubalaires.

@Mr.Tibbles

Because people have opinions

5 More Replies...

@jensz9360

Im always amazed at the raw talent on display with the Mills Brothers. I bet they were a pleasure to see and hear live.

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