"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)"

"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a jazz standard emphasizing that the true essence of jazz music relies on the 'swing' feel—a lively, rhythmic groove that makes the music exciting and engaging. The phrase suggests that without this rhythmic groove, even technically proficient music loses its emotional impact. The song, written by Duke Ellington in 1931, highlights the importance of rhythm and groove as the heartbeat of jazz, reminding musicians and listeners that feeling and rhythm are central to the music's appeal.