The song "Sober" by Jelly Roll explores the struggles of addiction and the desire to break free from its hold. The lyrics depict a person waking up hungover, realizing that as they've gotten older, their addiction has become harder to manage. They acknowledge their stubborn nature and the fact that they can never truly become sober due to their refusal to let go of their old habits and coping mechanisms. The lyrics also touch upon the attempt to numb the pain and heal the hurt through various means, only to find that it never truly works. The person finds themselves constantly running from shame and feeling the need to hide behind their sins, as they have not been able to find closure or make any real changes in their life. The protagonist admits to using a mask of smiles to hide their true feelings and emotions, and when they are feeling low and vulnerable, they turn to substance abuse to escape. However, they dislike the person they become when they are under the influence, and this self-disgust adds to their motivation to break free from their addiction. Ultimately, the song conveys a plea for help and a longing to overcome addiction and find sobriety. It highlights the struggle and internal conflict faced by the individual as they navigate their addiction and yearn for change.
