(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)
Patti Austin, James Morrison
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
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".
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Ella Fitzgerald's VersionThe 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.
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Patti Austin's VersionPatti 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.
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TriviaThe 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.
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ImpactThe "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.
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"(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>.
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