It… Read Full Bio ↴Matilda the musical, is based on the children's novel by Roald Dahl.
It is written by Dennis Kelly, with the score & lyrics written by Tim Minchin.
The musical was first performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in December 2010.
In October 2011 it made it's way to the Cambridge Theatre in the west end.
Also in October 2011, it won best musical production and best actor (Bertie Carvel) in the Theatre Awards UK, and in November 2011 it won the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical as part of The Evening Standard Awards.
This Little Girl
Matilda the Musical Original Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stop pretending, Jenny.
That you are going to march in there and give them a piece of your mind!
Leave it alone Jenny!
The more that you try.
The more you will look like a fool!
You've not got the spine.
You are a teacher just go back to school!
But this little girl...
This miracle...
She seems not to know
That she's special at all.
And what sort of teacher would I be
If I let this little girl fall through the cracks I can see,
This little girl needs somebody strong
To fight by her side.
Instead she's found me.
Pathetic little me!
And another door closes.
And Jenny's outside.
The lyrics to "This Little Girl" from Matilda the Musical Original Cast are a conversation between a character named Jenny and someone who is trying to discourage her from interfering in a situation. Jenny is told to stop pretending that she will make a difference and to leave it alone, to avoid looking like a fool. However, Jenny is determined to help a little girl who seems to be in need of someone to fight by her side. While Jenny is unsure of herself and feeling like a pathetic outsider, the little girl appears unaware that she is special and needs someone to believe in her. Ultimately, Jenny is left outside alone as the opportunity to help passes her by.
The lyrics convey a powerful message about the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition and doubt. They showcase the struggle that many people face when trying to make a difference, highlighting the internal battle between self-doubt and the desire to do good. Additionally, they suggest that sometimes unexpected people can become heroes, and it reminds listeners that there are often opportunities to be kind and helpful when we least expect them.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop being pathetic, Jenny.
Quit being weak and helpless, Jenny.
Stop pretending, Jenny.
Stop acting as if you are going to stand up to them, Jenny.
That you are going to march in there and give them a piece of your mind!
That you will confront them and assert yourself, Jenny.
Leave it alone Jenny!
Don't bother with it, Jenny!
The more that you try.
The more effort you put in.
The more you will look like a fool!
The more foolish you will appear to be.
This is not your problem.
This isn't your issue to solve.
You've not got the spine.
You don't have the courage or bravery.
You are a teacher just go back to school!
You have to go back to teaching and leave this matter.
But this little girl...
But there's this girl who...
This miracle...
This extraordinary character...
She seems not to know
She appears to be unaware
That she's special at all.
That she's remarkable in any way.
And what sort of teacher would I be
What kind of teacher will I be
If I let this little girl fall through the cracks I can see,
If I allow this girl to be unnoticed and unaided, as I can perceive,
This little girl needs somebody strong
This girl needs someone who is capable,
To fight by her side.
To support and be with her through it all.
Instead she's found me.
Unfortunately, she has found me.
Pathetic little me!
Weak and insignificant me!
And another door closes.
And another opportunity is missed.
And Jenny's outside.
Jenny is left outside, unable to help.
Contributed by Nolan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kellymcmahan2094
Who else thinks Miss Honey has a strong belt like the witch from Into The Woods??
@melodydyk6170
OH MY GOODNESS When I first heard her I thought "MAN she sounds like Bernadette Peters!"
@romanegence5092
Maybe that’s also because this song (and instru) sounds very much like Sondheim’s style of composing (mostly at the beginning of the song)
But yeah she sounds like Peters undeniably
Beautiful voice
@sunsetukulele1101
Ive got to sing this version for a solo and its really hard
@simeonrice6047
Post Sergei's version coward!
@davidcox1396
Oona Laurence Matilda
Bertie Carvel Miss Trunchbull
Lauren Ward Miss Honey
This Little Girl
Matilda The Musical Original Broadway Cast Shubert Theatre New York City
@alexandradutca2450
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