Diga Diga Doo

Woody Herman's 'Diga Diga Doo' is a lively and infectious tune that captures the essence of love and rhythm. The song's repetitive and catchy chorus, 'Diga diga doo diga doo doo,' serves as a playful expression of affection and joy. The lyrics tell the story of a 'Zulu man' who is feeling blue but finds solace and happiness in the rhythm of love. The phrase 'diga diga doo' becomes a metaphor for the natural and instinctive way love makes one feel, emphasizing the universal and timeless nature of romantic emotions.

The song also touches on the idea of mutual love and the importance of expressing it. The lines 'You love me and I love you / And when you love it is natural to / Diga diga doo diga doo doo' highlight the reciprocal nature of love and the joy it brings. The playful warning, 'If you don't say diga diga to your mate / You're gonna lose a papa,' suggests that expressing love and affection is crucial in maintaining a relationship. This lighthearted approach to love and relationships is a hallmark of the jazz era, where music often celebrated the joys and complexities of romance.

Additionally, 'Diga Diga Doo' reflects a carefree and communal attitude towards love and relationships. The lyrics 'No one heeds the marriage laws / Yours is mine and mine is yours' suggest a more relaxed and open approach to love, where traditional boundaries and rules are less important than the feelings and connections between people. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line 'How can there be a Virgin isle / With diga diga doo diga doo doo,' which implies that love and passion are natural and inevitable. Woody Herman's energetic performance and the song's upbeat tempo make 'Diga Diga Doo' a celebration of love, rhythm, and the joy of living in the moment.