(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)

Patti Austin, James Morrison

About (If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)

"(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)" is a song written by Sam Coslow that is strongly associated with Ella Fitzgerald. It was first recorded by Fitzgerald on 29 October 1936 and became one of her signature songs. It was a firm fixture of her live performances, providing a springboard for her scat singing. On the 2007 tribute album We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song recorded to mark Fitzgerald's 90th birthday, it was performed by Chaka Kahn and Natalie Cole. Cole and Patti Austin performed the song at the tribute concert to Fitzgerald on June 6, 2007. 


Year:
2017
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

The concert was over in Carnagie Hall
The maestro took bow after bow
He said, “My dear friends I have given my all. 
I'm sorry, it's all over now.”
When from the balcony way up high
There suddenly came a mournful cry

Oh, Mr. Paganini 
Please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it won't you sing it?
And if you can't sing you simply have to
Scat

Listen Paganini, 
We breathlessly await your masterful détente
Go on and sling it
And if you can't sling it you simply have to
Scat

We heard your repertoire 
And at the final bar
We greeted you with wild applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation of:
‘I never cared much for moonlight skies
I never blinked back at fireflies'
Would do

So, Paganini don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it, you simply have to
Scat

Listen Paganini, please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it, wont you sing it?
If the boys is bopping
Aint no need in stopping
Scat

Listen Paganini, 
We breathlessly await your masterful détente
Come on and spring it 
If the boys is bopping
Aint no need in stopping
Scat

I heard your repertoire and 
At the final bar
We greeted you, we greeted you
With wild applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation of
Scat

Listen Paganini
Now, don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve?
Come on and spring it
And if you can't spring it, you simply have to
Swing it 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Patti Austin

Patti Austin (born August 10, 1950) is an American R&B and jazz music singer, winner of the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal in 2008. more »

1 fan

Written by: SAM COSLOW

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Creation
"(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)" is a jazz song composed by Sam Coslow. It was first performed by Ella Fitzgerald in the 1936 film "Rhythm on the Range".
Ella Fitzgerald's Version
The song is widely associated with Ella Fitzgerald as she gave a memorable performance of it in her live album "Ella in Hollywood" recorded in 1961. - Fitzgerald's version is notable for its energetic scat improvisation, a vocal form that imitates the sounds and rhythms of instruments. - It became one of her signature songs and she sang it often in her live performances throughout her career.
Patti Austin's Version
Patti Austin is an American R&B and jazz singer. She also covered "(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)" in her 2002 album "For Ella". - Austin's version is a tribute to Fitzgerald, paying homage to her scat singing and bringing her own unique style to the song.
Trivia
The song's title and lyrics are a playful reference to violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini, implying that jazz musicians who can't "sing" (i.e., play) a composition will "swing" it instead. - The song showcases the flexibility and improvisational style common in jazz, demonstrating the genre's culture of interpretation and variation. - Despite its age and classic status, the song has been covered by many artists over the years, indicating its enduring popularity.
Impact
The "Mr. Paganini" part of the title has forever tied this song to the master violinist, linking the worlds of classical and jazz music. - Ella Fitzgerald's recording of the song remains one of the most popular jazz songs today, showcasing her unparalleled talent as a vocal improviser. - The song is often used as a benchmark by aspiring jazz singers to master the art of scat singing.

Discuss the (If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini) Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34768781/Patti+Austin/%28If+You+Can%27t+Sing+It%29+You%27ll+Have+to+Swing+It+%28Mr.+Paganini%29>.

    Missing lyrics by Patti Austin?

    Know any other songs by Patti Austin? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    (If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)

    723.7K
    5,092     148

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    The song "Delilah" by Queen was about Freddie Mercury's...
    A Cat
    B Girlfriend
    C Mother
    D Role Model

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Patti Austin tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!