It Don't Mean a Thing
Torme Mel 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 Don't Mean A Thing" is a classic jazz tune that captures the essence of swing music. The main message of the song is that no matter how good the music might sound, if it doesn't have the right rhythm or swing, then it simply won't work. The opening lines, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" emphasizes the importance of rhythm in jazz music. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song also emphasizes the importance of swing in jazz.
The lyrics suggest that anyone can join in and become part of the music; all you have to do is sing. The line "All you got to do is sing" implies that the swing music is inclusive, and anyone can participate. It's not just for the people playing the instruments - it's for everyone.
The song emphasizes the importance of rhythm over everything else, even the melody itself. The line "It makes no diff'rence if it's sweet or hot, just give that rhythm everything you've got" tells us that the rhythm carries the song and is the most important element.
Overall, the song is a testament to the power of swing and its importance in jazz music. Without swing, even the best melody won't carry the song. The message is simple but effective: it's all about the vibe and the rhythm of the music.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The intended message is that something is trivial, or insignificant.
If it ain't got that swing
This refers to the need for a musical composition to have a certain rhythm or cadence to create an enjoyable or appealing musical experience.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
This is a musical refrain or background vocals that support the main vocal.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuing on from the previous line, this is another musical refrain or background vocals that support the main vocal.
It don't mean a thing
Reiterating the lyric from the beginning of the song.
All you got to do is sing
This lyric denotes the idea that as long as the singer is able to perform the rhythm or cadence of the musical composition, the words themselves hold no intrinsic value.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
This repeats the same refrain from earlier in the song.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
This repeats the same refrain from earlier in the song.
It makes no diff'rence
This lyric represents that the ambiguity of whether the song has any real value or lasting meaning.
If it's sweet or hot
This lyric alludes to the idea that regardless of the emotions conveyed by the lyrics or melody of a song, there is no inherent meaning without the proper rhythm and cadence required for a song to 'swing'.
Just give that rhythm
This lyric can refer to either the need for the performer to have the correct feel or beat in their musical performance, or to the audience's experience of hearing something 'catchy' or 'bouncy' in a song.
Ev'rything you got
This line alludes to the need for a performer to be fully engaged in their performance and give their maximum effort to create a truly engaging musical experience.
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Recalls the opening message of the song.
If it ain't got that swing
The climax of the song - this lyric reminds the listener of the song's main message: that music must have a certain rhythm or cadence to be considered 'meaningful'.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repeats the same refrain for the final time in the song.
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Finishes the final line of the song with the same refrain that has been repeated throughout the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind