Brittney Denise Parks, better known as Sudan Archives, is a California-base… Read Full Bio ↴Brittney Denise Parks, better known as Sudan Archives, is a California-based violinist and vocalist, who writes, plays, and produces her own music. Drawing inspiration from the Sudanese fiddle, she is self-taught on the violin, and her unique songs also fold in elements of R&B, and experimental electronic music.

Parks grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, US, where she "messed around with instruments in the house" and took up violin in the fourth grade, eventually teaching herself how to play the instrument by ear. When she discovered the violin playing style of Northeast Africa, her eyes opened to the possibilities of the instrument. "The way they played it was different from classical music. I resonated with the style, and I was like, 'Maybe I can use this style with electronic music,'" she says. She has released two projects to date, including the self-titled Sudan Archives in July 2017, and Sink in 2018, both on Stones Throw Records.

Copycat
Sudan Archives Lyrics

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Monday, Tuesday, need to get some sleep
How many times can you hate in a week?
Nah, I'm not playin' with the strings that I'm playin'
Make this bitches go, 'cause they hatin' on my
Nah, I'm just sayin', if you really can't stand it then seal it up
Like an envelope
But your weeds won't grow in the soil 'cause it's too damn fertilized
Young feline

Let's be clear
They had the right bitch
So you think you can beat me?
I know, are you serious?

She copyin' my style, I know she like my smile, she wanna be me
But you can't replace me, why you so thirsty? You so insecure
You copyin' my style, I know you like my smile, you followin' me
But you can't erase me
'Cause you ain't me

You don't need to copycat me, I'm the G.O.A.T.
Bitches love me, but for you, it's a joke
Don't call me queen 'cause we know you ain't woke
Stop tellin' me what you will and you won't
You say you wanna go, but you really just don't
You say you got bitches, but these bitches you stole
You say you a witch, but these readings is old
Old like these demons that's takin' a hold
We all know that you is better than that
Baby girl, I'ma give you some slack
We all know that you a copycat
Bigger than your nigga, copy that

She copyin' my style, I know she like my smile, she wanna be me
But you can't replace me, why you so thirsty? You so insecure
You copyin' my style, I know you like my smile, you followin' me
But you can't erase me
'Cause you ain't me

Monday, Tuesday, need to get some sleep
How many times can you hate in a week?
Nah, I'm not playin' with the strings that I'm playin'
Make this bitches go, 'cause they hatin' on my
Nah, I'm just sayin', if you really can't stand it then seal it up
Like an envelope
'Cause you really don't know what it takes to get onto the antidote
Little billy goat
You rather rush on the bus, but you really won't fuss and take your time
I can see your lies
But your weeds won't grow in the soil 'cause it's too damn fertilized
Young feline
I don't need your broken notions fallin' on me

Everything that you need is 'round the corner
Everything that you want is 'round the corner
Everything that you feign is 'round the corner
Get your broken notions off me

She copyin' my style, I know she like my smile, she wanna be me
But you can't replace me, why you so thirsty? You so insecure
You copyin' my style, I know you like my smile, you followin' me

But you can't erase me
'Cause you ain't me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sudan Archives's song Copycat speak to the idea of authenticity in creativity and the frustrations that arise when one's individuality is copied or mimicked. The song's opening lines express the need for rest and introspection in a world that often prizes constant productivity and success. The line "how many times can you hate in a week?" highlights the negativity and envy that can arise in creative pursuits, where artists may feel threatened by others' success or feel their own work is being emulated without credit.

The song then moves into a direct confrontation towards someone who is copying Sudan Archives's style and attempting to replace her. The repeated refrain of "you ain't me" emphasizes the unique individuality of each artist and the impossibility of truly replicating another's work. Sudan Archives confidently asserts herself as the "G.O.A.T." (greatest of all time) and calls out the other person's lack of originality, insecurity, and dishonesty.

The final lines of the song provide a resolution to the tension, encouraging the listener to find their own path and stop imposing their "broken notions" onto others.

Overall, Copycat is a powerful meditation on the pressures and challenges of being a creative individual and the importance of maintaining one's unique artistic voice.

Line by Line Meaning

Monday, Tuesday, need to get some sleep
I am exhausted and need rest after dealing with copycats and haters for days

How many times can you hate in a week?
I wonder how much time and energy haters have to spare for hating in a week

Nah, I'm not playin' with the strings that I'm playin'
I am not joking around with the music that I am creating

Make this bitches go, 'cause they hatin' on my
I need to get rid of these people (especially female competitors) who are hating on me and my music

Nah, I'm just sayin', if you really can't stand it then seal it up / Like an envelope
If you really cannot tolerate my music, keep it to yourself like a sealed envelope

But your weeds won't grow in the soil 'cause it's too damn fertilized / Young feline
Your hateful words and actions won't have any effect on me because I am a strong and mature artist

Let's be clear / They had the right bitch / So you think you can beat me? / I know, are you serious?
Let's be honest, they chose the right woman to compete with me. Do you really think you can beat me? I can't believe you're even trying.

She copyin' my style, I know she like my smile, she wanna be me / But you can't replace me, why you so thirsty? You so insecure
This woman is copying my style and trying to emulate me, but she can never truly replace me. Why is she so desperate and insecure?

You don't need to copycat me, I'm the G.O.A.T. / Bitches love me, but for you, it's a joke
You don't need to copy me since I am the Greatest Of All Time. People love me, but for you, it's just a joke.

Don't call me queen 'cause we know you ain't woke / Stop tellin' me what you will and you won't
Don't label me as royalty since you clearly do not understand or support my message. Stop making empty promises and statements to me.

You say you wanna go, but you really just don't / You say you got bitches, but these bitches you stole / You say you a witch, but these readings is old / Old like these demons that's takin' a hold
You claim to want to succeed, but you lack the actual determination and skills to do so. You claim to have female companions, but you actually just copied them. You claim to be a witch, but your methods are outdated and ineffective. These demons (negativity and jealousy) that are affecting you are also old and outdated.

We all know that you is better than that / Baby girl, I'ma give you some slack / We all know that you a copycat
We all know that you are capable of being better and more original than this. However, I will cut you some slack and acknowledge that you are just copying me for now.

Bigger than your nigga, copy that
I am better and more successful than your male partner, and I want you to understand that.

I don't need your broken notions fallin' on me
I don't need your negative thoughts and opinions affecting me or my music.

Everything that you need is 'round the corner / Everything that you want is 'round the corner / Everything that you feign is 'round the corner / Get your broken notions off me
All the things that you need, want, or pretend to have are within reach if you can change your negative mindset. Please stop projecting your insecurities and hate onto me.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Brittney Denise Parks, Catherine Parks, Ben Dickey, Simon Hessman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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