Matilda

Alt-J's song 'Matilda' is a hauntingly beautiful track that weaves a tapestry of emotion and narrative through its lyrics. The song's repetitive structure and the refrain 'This is from Matilda' suggest a message or a plea being sent out, possibly from one person to another, or from a character within a story to the listener. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic, but they seem to convey a sense of deep connection and a plea for understanding or assistance.

The reference to Johnny Flynn's quote, 'The breath I've taken and the one I must to go on,' speaks to the necessity of moving forward in life, despite the challenges one might face. The mention of a grenade pin being placed in someone's hand could symbolize a transfer of control or power, or perhaps the burden of a difficult decision. The line 'My defeat sleeps top to toe with her success' could imply a close relationship where the fortunes of one person are intimately tied to another's, for better or worse.

Alt-J is known for their use of unique soundscapes and lyrical ambiguity, often leaving their songs open to interpretation. 'Matilda' is no exception, allowing listeners to project their own experiences and emotions onto the song. The repeated lines 'And she needs you' and 'This is for Matilda' evoke a sense of urgency and importance, suggesting that the song's subject, Matilda, requires support or intervention. The inclusion of the French phrase 'Elle a besoin de toi, cela vient de Matilda' reinforces this message of need and connection across languages and cultures.