They started playing in 1953 as the house band at the Moulin Rouge Club in Lake Charles, LA. In 1955, the Boogie Ramblers released "Cindy Lou" and "Such As Love" on Goldband Records. They became a popular regional live act, and toured with big names like Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino. In 1956, Cookie began being the band's front man and the name of the band was changed to "Cookie and the Boogie Ramblers." Soon after, the band was changed to its final name after hearing it shouted in jest from an audience. In 1957, they recorded their signature song 'Mathilda' for Judd Records. After initial struggles to get the song recorded they were able to use KAOK's studio. The record rose to #47 on the Billboard pop chart in early 1959, and is regarded as the unofficial anthem of the swamp pop genre. They followed up with a number of highly regarded but less commercially successful singles in the early 1960s, including "Belinda", "Betty and Dupree", and "Got You on My Mind", the latter reached The Billboards Hot 100 in May 1963.
In August 1965, Thierry moved to Los Angeles, leaving the Cupcakes to continue without him. Cookie was replaced as lead singer by "Little Alfred" (or "Lil' Alfred") Babino (January 5, 1944, Lake Charles – November 14, 2006). With Ernest Jacobs as bandleader, the group continued for several years but dispersed in the early 1970s.
Thierry was rediscovered in the 1990s and played at occasional blues festivals, reunited with the rest of the band, until his death in 1997. Thereafter, the band, led by Lil' Alfred, continued to perform at clubs in Louisiana and southeast Texas. Babino died at his residence in Lake Charles, in 2006.
Mathilda
Cookie & The Cupcakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here to stay, so tenderly
Matilda, I'll cry and cry for you
Yes, no matter what you do
Matilda, I've cried and cried for you
And no matter what you do
Yes, I've cried and cried in vain
You gave me love when there was none
You know you're the only one
Tears that's in my heart to stay
I want my baby back again
Matilda, I've cried and cried for you
Yes, no matter what you do
Yes, I've cried and cried in vain
I want my baby back again
Matilda, I've cried and cried for you
Yes, no matter what you do
Yes, I've cried and cried in vain
I want my baby back again
You gave me love when there was none
You know you're the only one
Tears that's in my heart to stay
I want my baby back again
The song "Matilda" by Louisiana-based Cookie & the Cupcakes is a soulful and emotional ballad that speaks of lost love and yearning. The lyrics express the singer's unwavering love for a woman named Matilda, despite their separation, and his constant longing to be with her again. He reminisces about the love she once showered on him and how no one else can replace her in his heart.
The opening lines of the song, "Your love for me will always be/ Here to stay, so tenderly," suggest that Matilda's love for him was deep and genuine. The singer's repeated assertion that he has cried and will continue to cry for Matilda, "no matter what you do," emphasizes the intensity of his emotions and his complete devotion to her. The lines "You gave me love when there was none/ You know you're the only one" further emphasize how much he values the love that Matilda once gave him, and how he longs to have her back in his life.
Overall, "Matilda" is a powerful expression of love and heartache, delivered through Cookie & the Cupcakes' soulful music and emotional lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Your love for me will always be
The singer is confident that their partner's love for them will always be present and persistent.
Here to stay, so tenderly
The love between the singer and their partner is strong, caring and affectionate.
Matilda, I'll cry and cry for you
The singer is deeply affected by the absence of their partner, and expresses their longing for them.
Yes, no matter what you do
The singer's feelings for their partner will remain unchanged and constant, regardless of their actions.
Matilda, I've cried and cried for you
The singer has spent a significant amount of time mourning the loss of their partner, demonstrating the depth of their emotions.
And no matter what you do
Despite any efforts from their partner, the singer continues to struggle with their absence.
Yes, I've cried and cried in vain
The singer has shed countless tears over their lost love, with no hope of them being returned or reciprocated.
I want my baby back again
The singer is longing for the return of their partner, whom they refer to as 'baby'.
You gave me love when there was none
The singer's partner provided them with love when they were lacking it, highlighting their importance in the singer's life.
You know you're the only one
The partner is the only person who can provide the singer with the love and affection they require, making them irreplaceable.
Tears that's in my heart to stay
The singer's pain and sorrow will remain with them, holding a permanent place in their heart.
I want my baby back again
The singer reiterates their desire for their partner's return, emphasising the strength of their longing.
Contributed by Ruby S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@USNAV
We just buried my dad today. Our family is from San Antonio, Tx. We had one of the best ice houses in town (Contreras Ice House). My dad would play this song on juke box. I was about 10yrs old. One of his favorite jams. I remember running around Contreras and hearing this song. And my dad up at the bar taking care of business. We lost an icon in our family. Pop was a compassionate man and never judged anyone. Always willing to help anyone with what little bit he had. Always down for a cold beer and a good jam. This song will forever be cherished by our family and dad will forever be missed ✊😔
@aliso-pv7ll
Where was Contreras located? Being from the southside of San Antonio, "La Cometa" was popular. Located corner of Somerset Rd. and S.W. Military Dr. Do you remember The Command's, "No Time for You"? It's on YouTube. Thanks for your warm thoughts.
@USNAV
@@aliso-pv7ll yeah know exactly the location. I think thats where the famous story of the handsome devil took place. And Contreras was at 1617 W. Commerce right by the S.A. river. There used to be a Centeno grocery right down the street.
@aliso-pv7ll
@@USNAV Did you mean the dancing devil? Google Dancing Devil San Antonio and you will find a detailed story.
@USNAV
@@aliso-pv7ll yeah that guy!! Oh yeah? Cool! Ill check that out. Thanks for the info...👍
@Stoixodetiss
Rest in peace to your dad bro. Spect from greece !
@williambrown1437
I was going thru an old storage box tonight and found a ticket to a dance on November 24, 1960 where Cookie and the Cupcakes played. The dance was in Shreveport, LA. Cookie was GREAT!!!
@lindalee6279
this is Timeless, beautiful song. So glad my Mother & Father taught me about good music which I still listen to it all....Love this music 02-10-22. thank you for keeping this posted, we sure do not have this great music in today's world.Even good ole country music is not the same in today's world. thank god these great artist left us their music.
@matildarodriguez2849
This is the song my Dad named me after. I love it! I haven't met too many Matildas in my 58 years. Happy Birthday to me! 🎂🎂🎂
@johnnyp8979
Wanted my daughter to name her baby MATHILDA, but no, she was named DAPHNE...
(She thought that MATHILDA would be a funky name, and not DAPHNE !??! Hmmm...
Happy late birthday !