The Marching Saints
Harry Belafonte · Other Songs - Harry Belafonte
Once again now!
Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Five hundred dollars, friends, I lost:
Woman even sell me cat and horse!
Heya! Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Everybody!
(Matilda,) Sing out the chorus,
(Matilda,) Sing a little louder,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Once again now!
(Matilda,) Going 'round the corner,
(Matilda,) Sing out the chorus,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Well, the money was to buy me house an' lan'
Then she got a serious plan,
A-hey, ah!
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Everybody!
(Matilda,
Matilda,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
Once again now!
(Matilda,) Going 'round the corner,
(Matilda,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
Well, the money was just inside me bed,
Stuck up in a pillow beneath me head.
Don't you know,
Matilda, she found me money and...
Everybody...
(Matilda,
Matilda,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
Once again now!
(Matilda,) Hooma locka chimba,
(Matilda,) Bring me little water,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Women over forty?
(Matilda,
Matilda,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
Everybody!
(Matilda,) Goin' round the corner,
(Matilda,) Bring me little water,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Well, me friends, never to love again,
All me money gone in vain!
Uh, heya...
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.
Everybody!
(Matilda,
Matilda,) Oom, ba-locka-chimba!
(Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
Sing a little softer!
(Matilda,
Matilda,
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela.)
EVERYBODY!
(Matilda,
Matilda,) Sing out the chorus!
Matilda, she take me money and run Venezuela!
The Marching Saints
Harry Belafonte's 'The Marching Saints' stands as a vibrant testament to his mastery of Caribbean rhythms and calypso traditions. As a central figure in popularizing Afro-Caribbean music in the United States, Belafonte infused this recording with the infectious energy of Trinidadian steelpan and call-and-response vocals that defined the genre. The track exemplifies his ability to blend theatrical flair with authentic folk roots, creating a sound that bridged cultural divides and energized dance floors across generations. Recorded during the height of his career, the song reflects his deep commitment to preserving and promoting the musical heritage of the Caribbean while introducing it to a global audience. Its enduring appeal lies in its rhythmic drive and Belafonte's charismatic delivery, making it a quintessential example of his contribution to world music and American popular culture.