Meaning of "Matilda" by Harry Belafonte

** The lyrics of "Matilda" depict a story of betrayal and loss at the hands of a woman named Matilda. The repetition of her name in the chorus emphasizes her role as the central figure who continually swindles the singer out of his money, leaving him with nothing but regret and heartache. The carelessness with which the singer seems to hand over his money and trust to Matilda, despite knowing her nature, speaks to themes of naivety, vulnerability, and perhaps a sense of inevitability in being taken advantage of. The mention of lost love and the despair of never loving again also suggest a deeper emotional toll that Matilda's actions have taken on the singer. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a man who has been repeatedly burned by the same woman yet seems powerless to break free from the cycle of betrayal and loss.

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