You'll Have To Swing It

Ella Fitzgerald

About You'll Have To Swing It

"(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:
2014
2:57
12 
#1

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Mister Paganini, please play my rhapsody
And if you cannot play it, won't you sing it
And if you can't sing it, you simply have to
Swing it
I said swing it
Oh-oh-oh swing it
And don't ding it
Oh mister Paganini, we breathlessly await
Your masterful détente, go-o on and sling it
And if you can't sling it
You'll simply have to swing it
I said swing it
And scattywahwah
And wahdyscatla
We've heard your repertoire and
At the final bar
We've greeted you with wild applause
But what a great ovation
Your interpretation
Pat-scoodle-atty-doody yeah yeah yeah
Oh Mister Paganini, now don't you be a meanie
What have you up your sleeve, go on and spring it
And if you can't spring it, you'll simply have to
Swing it

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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 »

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Written by: SAM COSLOW

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Composition
"You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)" was originally composed by Sam Coslow. The song was a big hit during the Swing era of jazz in the 1930s and 40s.
Song Title
The title, "You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)," is a tribute to the Italian violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini, who was known for his technical skill and expressivity.
Ella's Performance
Known for her impeccable diction, pure tone, and masterful sense of swing, Ella Fitzgerald's live version of the song is a testament to her remarkable vocal improvisation skills.
Career Influence
The song is also significant in terms of Ella Fitzgerald's career. It became strongly associated with the singer and is considered one of her signature performances.
Album Release
"You'll Have to Swing It" is a track from Fitzgerald's 1960 studio album, 'Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert'.
Notable Features
The song’s arrangement includes a distinctive "call and response" interplay between Fitzgerald's scat singing and the band's instrumental accompaniment. Ella’s scat singing reached new heights with this song.
Subsequent Versions
Several artists have covered "You'll Have to Swing It" in the years since Fitzgerald's version made it famous. Notable covers include those by artists like Patti Austin and Natalie Cole.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2012, Fitzgerald's live version of "You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame to recognize its historical significance.
Legacy
Up to date, the song is not just remembered as one of Ella Fitzgerald's most iconic performances, but also a classic tune in the history of jazz music.
Ella and Paganini
Whilst Paganini was a master of his instrument, the violin, Fitzgerald was a master vocalist. The naming of the song depicts that whilst Paganini played incredible feats on his violin, Ella could match that vocally.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of the song humorously depict Mr. Paganini as a stubborn artist who needs some convincing before he plays his fiddle for an adoring audience.
Critical acclaim
Although not released as a single, the song is lauded as a standout example of Fitzgerald's powerful vocal range and her captivating stage presence.

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