Their style has mixed Texas blues with the harmonica-laced swamp blues sounds of the likes of Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester, both of whom the T-Birds have covered. Their third album, 1981's 'Butt Rockin'', took the band closer to classic rhythm and blues while featuring added piano and brass section sounds played by additional musicians. The band broke into the mainstream in 1986 with their album 'Tuff Enuff'. The single of the same name was featured in the Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster film 'Tough Guys' alongside their follow-up single, which they titled "Wrap It Up". A lively, powerful tune, "Tuff Enuff" has been played frequently over the years on many rock n roll stations. The band's music was also played in John Cusack's 1987 movie 'Hot Pursuit'.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds' next album, titled 'Hot Number', fell off the charts quickly and alienated many of the bands' long-time fans due to its slick, pop-oriented sound. The band then began a long series of line-up changes and obscure, yet somewhat improved, albums throughout the 90s. Drummer Mike Buck left the band in 1980, and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan left in 1990. More recently, the group has had line-up made up of original member Kim Wilson alongside guitarist/vocals Nick Curran, guitarist Kirk Flecther, Jimi Bott on drums, Ronnie James Weber on bass, and former Canned Heat member Gene Taylor on keyboards.
The official T-Birds website is at http://www.fabulousthunderbirds.com/
Alumni of the T-birds include:
Duke Robillard Fran Cristina Gene Taylor Jimi Bott Keith Ferguson Kid Bangham Kirk Fletcher Mike Buck Preston Hubbard Richard Innes Ronnie James Weber Steve Hodges Willie Campbell Kid Ramos Jimmie Vaughan Nick Curran Troy Gon
Mathilda
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
CHORUS: Mathilda, I cried and cried for you.
It makes no diff'rence what you do.
Mathilda, I cried and cried in vain.
I want my baby back again.
1. You gave me love when there was none.
Deep in my heart you will remain.
I'll always love you just the same. CHORUS
2. My love for you will always be
Such a precious memory.
I'll always love you, come what may,
No matter what you do or say. CHORUS
The Fabulous Thunderbirds' song "Mathilda" is a blues-influenced track that tells the story of an unrequited love. The singer is lamenting the loss of his beloved Mathilda and how he has cried and cried for her, but it seems to make no difference. He acknowledges that Mathilda was the only one who gave him love when there was none and she will always remain deep in his heart. The singer confesses his love for Mathilda will always be a precious memory, and he will always love her, no matter what she does or says.
The lyrics to "Mathilda" are straightforward yet powerful. The repetition of the chorus highlights the desperation and longing of the singer. The use of the name Mathilda adds a personal touch to the song, making it more relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak. The use of bluesy guitar riffs and steady drums in the music further amplifies the emotive qualities of the track. It's a song that speaks to anyone who has lost someone they love, and despite the pain, they will always hold on to the memories of that person.
Line by Line Meaning
Mathilda, I cried and cried for you.
The singer is expressing the pain and longing they feel for Mathilda, someone they deeply care about.
It makes no diff'rence what you do.
Regardless of Mathilda's actions, the singer's feelings for her remain unchanged.
Mathilda, I cried and cried in vain.
Despite the singer's efforts to connect with Mathilda emotionally, their love remains unrequited.
I want my baby back again.
The artist feels a sense of loss and desires to have Mathilda back in their life.
You gave me love when there was none.
Mathilda provided the artist with love and affection when they were previously lacking it.
You know that you're the only one.
Mathilda is the only person who has made the singer feel the way they do.
Deep in my heart you will remain.
The singer's love for Mathilda is deeply rooted and will not fade away.
I'll always love you just the same.
The artist's love for Mathilda is constant and unconditional, regardless of what may happen between them.
My love for you will always be
The artist reassures Mathilda that their love for her is unwavering and enduring.
Such a precious memory.
Their love is a cherished memory that will remain unchanged.
I'll always love you, come what may,
The singer reaffirms their love for Mathilda, no matter the situation or circumstance.
Contributed by Joseph B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@docsaxton8673
I played for years in several different bands. This song would fill the dancefloor everytime!
@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782
Me and my cousins had a band in the 70s. And we would also play this song. Before that, my Uncles had a band also. They also played it in the early 60s. They played it in the days when it was actually playing on the radio. Like you said, the dancefloor would fill up.
@trfesok
In my T-Birds playlist with the original Cookie and the Cupcakes single. Thanks for the upload!
@termoflask8871
HIi! From Buenos Aires, Argentina. I Always love this song
@TxGuitarPlayer
I think this is a great version of this classic
@patriciajones7869
Walk down memory Lane!
@ikoiko2631
I went to see johnny winter on the peer in NYC, late 70's..the warm up band comes out"the fabulous t birds"...I had not heard of them.OH MY GOD, THEY RIPPED INTO some of the BEST freakin music I had ever heard!!!!.....Jimmy SMOKED on Axe/Kim singing top of his game...I was hooked.They were trying to impress NYC, they DID....I was disappointed when they did the commercial stuff later..but still much RESPECT
@skynatyc
great oldies song.. love it!
@MrGuitars8
Good belly rubbin music . This may have been the first Thunderbird's song I ever heard . They are a Great Great Band .
@CindyMarabito
gots to hear I'm sorry right after or thangs ain't right.