Traitor
The Sugarcubes Lyrics

The Sugarcubes's song Traitor is a dark, yet powerful track that speaks of revolution and the price one might have to pay for standing up for what they believe. The lyrics are divided into two distinct sections, the first spoken by Einar and the second by Björk, each adding their own layers to the song's meaning. Einar sets the tone with his opening lines, "But, I'll teach the little angles/I'll take the harp away/But I'll teach them how to use the harmonica," which speak of rebellion and taking things by force. He goes on to describe how he'll be branded a traitor when the revolution he's working towards finally takes place, and how he'll be shot for it. Despite the risk, he remains steadfast in his beliefs, saying that he'll "regret nothing" and that his reward will be freedom, even if it comes at the cost of his life.

Björk's section echoes Einar's sentiments, except that she paints a slightly different picture. Her words focus more on the passage of time and how it can be either a burden or a reward. She starts by saying, "When the sun rises," which is repeated several times throughout the song, perhaps symbolizing the inevitability of change. Einar picks up on this, saying that he'll "go through life without a timepiece," and that it's paid off for him in the end. He sits alone at the pillar, waiting to be executed at sunrise, but he's not afraid. Instead, he takes comfort in the beating of the catalan drums, which keep time with his own heartbeat. He knows that when the sun finally rises, he won't be able to see it, but he's at peace with that, smiling even, because he knows that he's fought for something he believes in.

Overall, Traitor is a song about conviction, sacrifice, and standing up for what you believe in, even if it means putting your life on the line. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the things that we value most dearly must be fought for, and that even when the cost seems too high, it's still worth it.