Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)
Ella Fitzgerald
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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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Written by: Sy Oliver, James Young
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Original Release"Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" was originally released in 1939. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version later in 1967.
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Classic JazzThe song is a classic jazz standard, showcasing Ella Fitzgerald's vocal range and characteristic style.
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SongwritersNotably written by jazz musicians Sy Oliver and Trummy Young, the song offers catchy rhythms and deep lyrics that relay an important message about the significance of style and approach over the actual deed itself.
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InfluencesElla Fitzgerald's rendition was influenced by earlier versions, most notably the original recording by Jimmie Lunceford.
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Album AppearanceThe song is part of "Ella at Juan-Les-Pins", a live album that was taken from Fitzgerald's performance at the French Riviera jazz festival in 1964.
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CollaborationsElla Fitzgerald often performed the song with other notable jazz musicians. She was accompanied by the pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Jim Hall, bassists Wilfred Middlebrooks and Bill Yancy, and Gus Johnson on the drums in the recording.
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Performance Worldwide"Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" has been performed worldwide in various scales, from small jazz clubs to large-scale jazz festivals, thanks to Ella's renowned international popularity.
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Swing Era ClassicThe song remains a classic from the Swing Era and is a favorite among dancers and fans of swing music.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Annette Hanshaw, Bing Crosby, Bette Midler, and more recently by British band Fun Boy Three and Bananarama.
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Use in MediaElla Fitzgerald's version of "Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" has also been used in various films and TV shows, such as "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain" and "The Simpsons".
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