'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
Genre Classification"'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)" is a jazz and swing genre song.
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CollaborationThe 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.
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Release DateThe song was initially released in 1939 providing a testament to the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of jazz performances during that period.
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SongwritersThe 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.
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Cover ArtistsDespite 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.
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Popular CultureThe song has found its way into popular culture and is a favourite among lindy hop dancers.
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Album FeatureThe 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.
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Chart TopperWhen first released, the song was a commercial success and reached number seven on the Billboard pop charts.
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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.
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Lasting LegacyToday, 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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Citation
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"'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6047476/Ella+Fitzgerald/%27Tain%27t+What+You+Do+%28It%27s+the+Way+That+You+Do+It%29>.
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