Matilda Lyrics

Lyric discussion by rossb93 

Cover art for Matilda lyrics by alt-J

It is from the penultimate scene of the film: Leon.

SPOILERS:

'This is from Matilda'

(Mathilda is the character Reno befriends in the film)

'Just like Johnny Flynn said, 'the breath I've taken and the one I must' to go on'

Its a quote from a song by Johnny Flynn. I think it means Reno is preparing to build up the courage to kill himself in order to kill Oldman.

This is what Jean Reno says to Gary Oldman while 'Put[ing] the grenade pin in [Oldman's] hand'.

' so you understand who's boss'

Reno has grenades strapped to his chest.

'My defeat sleeps top to toe with her success'

I think this means Leon's death (and blowing up Gary Oldman) is where he is defeated but it is her (Mathilda's) success as the man who killed her family (especially brother) is now dead.

'And she needs you This is for Matilda'

Reno protects Matilda throughout the film.

Song Meaning
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"so you understand who's boss"

Refers to another scene in the movie, when Leon enters the DEA building to save Matilda, he punches a security guard, whose mug spins around to show the words 'Me Boss, You Not'

thanks for this Ross! this tune is the high point of Alt-J's debut, and your comment singlehandedly inspired me to see The Professional one more time. watching the movie adds even greater substance to this beautiful song...

ps. I think they fuct up the spelling of her name though...the movie credits show her as 'Mathilda' :-)

I think you mean ultimate scene. Penultimate = scene before the final.

Otherwise, thanks for the clarification.