It's Your Thing
Webster Lewis and the Post-Bop Space-RockBe-Pop Gospel Tabernacle Orchestra and Chorus 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)
The lyrics of Webster Lewis and the Post-Bop Space-Rock Be-Pop Gospel Tabernacle Orchestra and Chorus's song "It's Your Thing" are a homage to the qualities of swing, which is an essential component of jazz music. The song opens with the statement that says "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," which means that swing is key to what makes jazz. The word "swing" is used to describe the distinctive rhythm of jazz music that is both syncopated and swings, meaning it has a certain groove to it. The song further stresses that it makes no difference whether the music is sweet or hot; as long as it has the right rhythm, you can feel it and dance to it. The song encourages listeners to get into the rhythm and feel the music. In essence, the lyrics of the song suggest that a piece of music will lack something essential if it does not have the right "swing" to it.
One interesting fact about "It's Your Thing" is that it was originally performed by The Isley Brothers in 1969. The Webster Lewis and the Post-Bop Space-Rock Be-Pop Gospel Tabernacle Orchestra and Chorus's version is a jazz cover of the song.
The band Webster Lewis and the Post-Bop Space-Rock Be-Pop Gospel Tabernacle Orchestra and Chorus was led by Webster Lewis, who was an accomplished jazz pianist, arranger, and conductor. The group was known for its eclectic style, blending genres such as rock, funk, gospel, jazz, and classical music.
Another interesting fact is that "It's Your Thing" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1973 blaxploitation film, Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. The song was also used in the 2000 movie, Love and Basketball.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The song, action, or event is insignificant
If it ain't got that swing
The song, action, or event must have energy, flair or excitement to be noteworthy
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The singers emphasize the point by vocalizing doo-wah sounds
All you got to do is sing
The solution is simple - just perform confidently
It makes no diff'rence
Regardless of the flavor or style
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's slow and melodic or fast and furious
Just give that rhythm
Pay attention to the beat
Ev'rything you got
Put in full effort and enthusiasm
Oh, it don't mean a thing
As previously stated, the song, action or event is insignificant
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The singers reiterate the notion that the song must have a lively energy to be noteworthy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Gordygrooveking
Music doesn't get better than this piece of Art by the Master
Mr Webster Lewis . Nuff respect
@fsilverest
This time signature is too much it hurts
@PoopyPoopy401
great untouched sample by people under the stairs for crazy live
@pongufogu9457
This juice good for ears and soul.
@mattblackninja
Wow tune, phat break , Kruder and dorfmeister fess up:)
@hulsundet
fess up, what does that mean? I love Kruder btw. And I love this
@dethkon
Jahn Davik it’s slang for “admit it” or “come clean” but usually in a less serious way.
I think he was making a joke that they should come clean about their inspiration for the Trans Fatty Acid remix, and the samples. =)
@polska4968
exactly well said
@polska4968
fess up
@jaysilverstone7221
For real