"Junk Bond Trader" by Elliott Smith dives into the dark and complex world of financial corruption and personal betrayal. The song presents a scathing critique of the morally bankrupt world of high finance and the people who operate within it, portraying them as soulless individuals exploiting everything and everyone for personal gain. Key themes include greed, moral decay, and the loss of personal integrity. Particularly poignant moments include the vivid descriptions of ethical compromises and the sense of disillusionment with a system that rewards corruption.