'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)

Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Webb

About 'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)

'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It) is a song written by jazz musicians Melvin "Sy" Oliver and James "Trummy" Young. It was first recorded in 1939 by Jimmie Lunceford, Harry James, and Ella Fitzgerald, and again the same year by Nat Gonella and His Georgians. The "shim sham" is often danced to the Lunceford recording of this song.


Year:
1993
2:56
107 

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When I was a kid about half past three
My ma said, "Daughter, come here to me"
Says, "Things may come and things may go
But this is one thing you ought to know"

Oh, 'tain't what you do; it's the way that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the way that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the way that you do it
That's what gets results

'Tain't what you do; it's the time that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the time that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the time that you do it
That's what gets results

You can try hard, don't mean a thing
Take it easy, breezy, then your jive will swing

Oh, it 'tain't what you do; it's the place that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the time that you do it
'Tain't what you do; it's the way that you do it
That's what gets results

You've learned your A B C's
You've learned your D F G's
But this is something you don't learn in school

So get your hep boots on
And then you'll carry on
But remember if you try too hard
It don't mean a thing, take it easy

'Tain't what bring do; it's the way that you bring it
'Tain't what swing do; it's the way that you swing it
'Tain't what sing do; it's the way that you sing it
That's what gets results

That's what gets results, rebop

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Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. more »

11 fans

Written by: Sy Oliver, James Young

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" is a jazz and swing genre song.
Collaboration
The song was originally performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb, showcasing her signature vocal styling as a jazz icon and Webb's exceptional drum work.
Release Date
The song was initially released in 1939 providing a testament to the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of jazz performances during that period.
Songwriters
The music and the lyrics of the song were authored by two jazz veterans - Sy Oliver and James "Trummy" Young, making this tune an authentic creation of jazz maestros.
Cover Artists
Despite its age, the song's charming rhythm and catchy lyrics have made it a favorite for cover artists, including the likes of Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole.
Popular Culture
The song has found its way into popular culture and is a favourite among lindy hop dancers.
Album Feature
The song was a popular single, but it was also featured on Ella's compilation album called 'The Early Years: Part 2' which was released in 1992.
Chart Topper
When first released, the song was a commercial success and reached number seven on the Billboard pop charts.
Influence
"'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" has been hailed as a wealth of inspiration for many singers due to Ella Fitzgerald's unique prowess in vocal flexibility, rhythmic sense and improvisational ability exhibited in the song.
Lasting Legacy
Today, the song is considered a timeless classic of the swing era and is often played at retro-themed events and vintage dance parties.

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    "'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3157724/Ella+Fitzgerald/%27Tain%27t+What+You+Do+%28It%27s+the+Way+That+You+Do+It%29>.

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    In a song from the 80's, by the legendary Blue Oyster Cult...."Oh no! They say he's got to go, go. Go ....."
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