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.

Loyal
Sudan Archives Lyrics

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She's all on her own
She's feelin' real grown, just got a new phone
Who needs to be loyal?
That unemployment got her back just like a best friend
Who's currently her ex-best friend

I gave you my home
When you was alone

Don't act like I won't talk about being loyal
What about that rainy night we had in, in Amsterdam?
(I almost missed my flight for that bullshit)

Tell me you're defeated
And I'll be happy with that
Tell me I'm conceited
And I'll be happy with that
Tell me I'm just full of shit
And I'll be happy with that
Tell me you don't want me
And I'll be happy (happy, happy, happy)
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)

I'm so loyal
I'm so loyal
To these hoes
I'm so
I'm so loyal

I'm so loyal
To these hoes

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sudan Archives's song "Loyal" are somewhat contradictory, as they seem to express both a sense of self-reliance and a sense of disappointment or betrayal in a past relationship. The first verse describes the song's protagonist as feeling "real grown" after acquiring a new phone, but also mentions the idea of loyalty in a somewhat dismissive way. The presence of unemployment, described as a "best friend" turned "ex-best friend," suggests a degree of frustration or instability in the singer's life.

The second verse seems to be directed at a former lover or friend, referencing a past act of generosity ("I gave you my home / When you was alone") but also expressing a sense of wounded pride ("Don't act like I won't talk about being loyal"). The reference to a "rainy night we had in Amsterdam" suggests a certain level of intimacy, but the line "I almost missed my flight for that bullshit" suggests that the experience may have been tainted in some way.

The chorus, with its repeated assertion of being "so loyal" to "these hoes," is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the song. It is not entirely clear who or what the singer is referring to with this phrase, but it may suggest a certain degree of cynicism or disillusionment with regard to romantic relationships or interpersonal connections in general.

Line by Line Meaning

She's all on her own
She's living independently without any help or support from anyone else.

She's feelin' real grown, just got a new phone
She feels more mature and responsible now that she has a new phone.

Who needs to be loyal?
She questions the importance of loyalty and wonders if it's really necessary.

That unemployment got her back just like a best friend
She's relying on her financial support from unemployment like a best friend would provide emotional support.

Who's currently her ex-best friend
Her former best friend is no longer a part of her life.

I gave you my home
She provided a place to stay for someone in need.

When you was alone
When that person had nobody else to turn to.

Don't act like I won't talk about being loyal
She won't hesitate to speak up about the importance of loyalty.

What about that rainy night we had in, in Amsterdam?
She recalls a specific moment in Amsterdam that was significant to their relationship.

(I almost missed my flight for that bullshit)
She sacrificed something important for that moment and is now realizing it might not have been worth it.

Tell me you're defeated
She wants to hear that her opponent is willing to give up.

And I'll be happy with that
She will feel satisfied knowing that she's won.

Tell me I'm conceited
She's willing to accept criticism and understand that some people might view her as self-absorbed.

And I'll be happy with that
She's not bothered by the insult.

Tell me I'm just full of shit
She's willing to accept that others might think she's lying or not genuine.

And I'll be happy with that
She's not bothered by the insult.

Tell me you don't want me
She wants her opponent to make it clear that they're not interested in her.

And I'll be happy (happy, happy, happy)
She will be content with knowing the truth and being able to move on.

(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
She emphasizes her contentment with the situation.

I'm so loyal
She prides herself on being loyal.

To these hoes
She's mocking those who use the term 'hoes' derogatorily, and declaring that she is loyal to all women.

I'm so
She repeats her loyalty to emphasize its importance to her.