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.

Honey
Sudan Archives Lyrics

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Honey, honey
I didn′t wanna tell you
And I didn't wanna tell you so
I didn′t wanna tell you so
'Cause I didn't wanna tell you
No, I didn′t wanna tell you
I ain′t wanna tell you
I ain't wanna tell you

I ain′t wanna tell you, honey
I ain't wanna tell you
I ain′t wanna tell you so, tell you so, tell you so

No he can't make you stay
No he can′t make you go
Now you're stuck
Falling, falling on your own, honey
He can't make you stay
He can′t make you go
Now you′re stuck
Falling, falling on your own, honey

I didn't wanna tell you
And I didn′t wanna tell you so
I didn't wanna tell you so
′Cause I didn't wanna tell you
No, I didn′t wanna tell you
I ain't wanna tell you
I ain't wanna tell you
I ain′t wanna tell you, honey
I ain′t wanna tell you
I ain't wanna tell you so, tell you so, tell you so
Honey

I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I

I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sudan Archives's song "Honey" depict a situation where the singer is hesitant to share some information with a person they care about. The repetition of "I didn't wanna tell you" emphasizes the singer's internal conflict and reluctance to reveal something that might be painful for the other person to hear. The repetition of "Honey" throughout the song adds a sense of tenderness and intimacy to the lyrics, creating a sense of vulnerability around the confession.

The second verse describes a sense of being trapped - the other person is neither staying nor leaving, and the singer seems to feel helpless in the situation. The repetition of "falling" adds to the sense of helplessness and loss of control. The overall tone of the song is one of deep emotion and vulnerability, with a sense of longing and regret. The song is musically sparse, emphasizing the lyrics and the raw emotions they express.

Overall, "Honey" is a deeply personal and introspective song, exploring themes of love, loss, and the difficulty of sharing difficult information with those we care about. The repetition of certain lines emphasizes the internal struggle and sense of vulnerability and adds depth and nuance to the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Honey, honey
The singer addresses someone close to them with a term of endearment, possibly a lover or friend.

I didn’t wanna tell you
The singer didn’t want to reveal something to the person they’re addressing, indicating that the information may be negative or sensitive.

And I didn't wanna tell you so
The singer reiterates that they didn’t want to share the information they are about to reveal.

I didn’t wanna tell you so
The singer repeats their reluctance to divulge the information.

'Cause I didn't wanna tell you
The singer reveals that the reason for their reluctance is the fear of consequence or disappointment.

No, I didn’t wanna tell you
The singer repeats their unease about sharing the information.

I ain’t wanna tell you
The singer uses non-standard English to reflect the informality of the conversation and the closeness they share with the addressee.

I ain’t wanna tell you
The singer once again states that they did not wish to reveal the information.

I ain’t wanna tell you, honey
The singer uses the term of endearment to reassure the addressee that the reveal doesn’t change their fondness for them.

I ain’t wanna tell you
The singer repeats their reluctance to share the information.

I ain’t wanna tell you so, tell you so, tell you so
The singer repeats their reluctance, likely to emphasize its significance.

No he can’t make you stay
The singer addresses an unidentified third party, who may have been involved in the information the singer reveals.

No he can’t make you go
The singer asserts that the third party has no control over the addressee's actions.

Now you're stuck
The singer reveals that the addressee is in a difficult situation.

Falling, falling on your own, honey
The singer consoles the addressee and calls them 'honey' again, indicating their support and closeness.

He can’t make you stay
The singer reiterates that the third party has no power over the addressee.

He can’t make you go
The singer repeats that the third party has no control over the addressee.

Now you’re stuck
The singer reinforces that the addressee is in an unfavourable situation.

Falling, falling on your own, honey
The singer consoles the addressee again and references their previous use of the term of endearment.

I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
The singer repeats the pronoun 'I' nine times, possibly signifying their self-absorption or heightened emotions.

I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
The singer repeats the word 'I' again.