Matilda
Belafonte Lyrics
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Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Everybody
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Five hundred dollars, friends, I lost
Woman even sell me cat and horse
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Everybody
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Once again now
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Well, the money was just inside me bed,
Stuck up in a pillow beneath me head
Don't you know,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Everybody
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Once again now
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Well, me friends, never to love again
All me money gone in vain
heya
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Everybody
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Sing a little softer
Matilda, Matilda, I'm feeling such pain
(Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela)
Everybody
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
The lyrics to Harry Belafonte's song "Matilda" tell the story of a man who has been robbed of his money by a woman named Matilda. He sings about the loss of his money and his sadness over the fact that he will never be able to love again. The song takes place in Venezuela, where he claims that Matilda has fled after stealing his money. The lyrics are catchy and upbeat, despite the somber topic, making it a popular tune for both dancing and singing.
The chorus features the repetition of "Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela" and is sung by a group of background singers, creating a sense of community behind the lead singer's story. The use of repetition emphasizes the power Matilda has over the man and the permanence of his loss. The lyrics also reveal that Matilda has not only taken his money but also sold his cat and horse, causing a great deal of distress for the singer.
The use of the language in the song is interesting as it includes specific slang that is unique to Caribbean culture. The word "heya" is inserted in the middle of the lyrics, which is a variation of the word "hey" and is commonly used in this region. Additionally, the phrase "me friends" is used instead of "my friends," showing the influence of the local dialect on the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Matilda, Matilda,
The singer is addressing Matilda, possibly expressing his surprise or disbelief.
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
Matilda stole the singer's money and went to Venezuela without his permission or knowledge.
Everybody
An interjection to draw attention or involve the listener.
Five hundred dollars, friends, I lost
The amount of money Matilda stole from the artist.
Woman even sell me cat and horse
Matilda sold the artist's cat and horse, indicating her desperation or greed.
Heya!
An interjection to express excitement or energy.
Once again now
A repetition of the fact that Matilda stole the singer's money and ran away.
Well, the money was just inside me bed, Stuck up in a pillow beneath me head
The artist kept his money in a safe place (inside his bed) but Matilda still managed to steal it.
Don't you know,
An interjection to emphasize the artist's point.
Well, me friends, never to love again
The artist has lost his trust in people, especially women.
All me money gone in vain
The singer's money has been wasted and he feels regretful.
Sing a little softer
An instruction to reduce the volume, possibly indicating a shift in tone or mood.
Matilda, Matilda, I'm feeling such pain
The singer is hurt and in emotional pain because of Matilda's betrayal.
(Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela)
A repetition of the main theme of the song - Matilda stole the singer's money and fled to Venezuela.
Everybody
An interjection to draw attention or involve the listener.
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela
A final repetition of the main theme of the song, ending with an unresolved sense of loss and hurt.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NORMAN SPAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind