Tool’s “Sober” Lyrics Meaning

Knowing the premise Tool’s “Sober” is based on will make understanding the heavy-handed metaphors used throughout a simpler task. The song is about a friend of the band who, simply put, was a substance addict. Or more specifically he could only operate “at his artistic best” when he was highly intoxicated.  And we can see via the analogies used within this track that this was something which had his homeys concerned.

First Verse

During the first verse, Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan sings from the perspective of the aforementioned friend. And the symbolism he uses alludes to the idea of his addiction actually stalking him. And in that regard it is not only ever-present but also has the effect of preventing said individual from fulfilling his dreams as well as lowering his self-esteem, as in having an inner, self-accusatory relationship with him.

Second Verse

In the second verse, Maynard takes on the role of the intoxicant itself, as in if the drug were to speak.  And basically, what he is saying is that he himself is no good and will destroy the person whom is the subject of the first verse, i.e. the aforementioned addict.

Chorus

This brings us to the choruses, which at first allude to the idea that this individual is someone who is not enjoyable to be around. The reason being that due to his insobriety he has a tendency to monotonously babble. And the chorus concludes by introducing the idea, via a question, that sobriety may actually be the better option, even insinuating that partaking of such would be tantamount to him beginning a new life.

Outro of “Sober”

But ultimately, via its outro, “Sober” ends on an alarming note if you will. The phrase “I want what I want” is repeated throughout. Within the overall context of the song this would insinuate that its addressee, the person whom Tool feels needs drug intervention, will instead shun such an idea, instead opting to fulfill his cravings. 

So this song basically deals with the toxic effects of becoming dependent on hard drugs while simultaneously acknowledging that an individual who is subject to such is faced with a challenge, albeit internally, in trying to overcome it.

When was “Sober” released?

“Sober” was officially released through Zoo Entertainment on 6 April 1993. This classic came out as the lead single off of Tool’s maiden album Undertow.

Who wrote “Sober”?

Paul D’Amour wrote this song along with three other members of Tool. These members are:

• Danny Carey
• Adam Jones
• Maynard James Keenan

That said, it should be noted that the song’s original composer is recognized as Keenan. Keenan had been using bits and pieces of this song as early as 1987 (several years before the song was released).  The track was produced by the entire band along with Sylvia Massy.