diff --git a/tools/perf/builtin-trace.c b/tools/perf/builtin-trace.c
index 07ad25c..e2285e2 100644
--- a/tools/perf/builtin-trace.c
+++ b/tools/perf/builtin-trace.c
@@ -579,13 +579,13 @@
 		exit(-1);
 	}
 
-	symbol__init();
-
 	setup_scripting();
 
 	argc = parse_options(argc, argv, options, annotate_usage,
 			     PARSE_OPT_STOP_AT_NON_OPTION);
 
+	if (symbol__init() < 0)
+		return -1;
 	setup_pager();
 
 	session = perf_session__new(input_name, O_RDONLY, 0);