Song meaning of Matilda by Harry Belafonte

The lyrics of the song "Matilda" by Harry Belafonte convey a story of betrayal and financial loss. Matilda is portrayed as a deceptive woman who takes the narrator's money and flees to Venezuela. The chorus repeats the phrase "Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela" to emphasize the main theme of the song.

Through the repetition of the chorus, the lyrics encapsulate a sense of frustration and disbelief at being deceived by someone close. The narrator laments the loss of five hundred dollars, even going as far as selling his cart and horse. The money was meant for buying a house and land, but Matilda's actions ruined those plans.

The lyrics also highlight the narrator's vulnerability and naivety in trusting Matilda. The money was hidden in a pillow beneath his head, suggesting a sense of false security. This emphasizes the contrast between Matilda's deceitful actions and the narrator's innocence.

Overall, the song "Matilda" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of misplaced trust and the pain of financial betrayal. The lyrics convey a sense of loss, regret, and a lesson learned about the dangers of being too trusting.