Sober
Fred Charlton Lyrics

There's a shadow just behind me,
I feel like something bad is constantly following me and I can't escape it.

Shrouding every step I take,
The feeling of being followed is overwhelming and affects every action I make.

Making every promise empty,
The presence of this shadow makes me unable to fulfill any of my promises to others or to myself.

Pointing every finger at me.
The shadow seems to place blame on me for everything that goes wrong, even though I can't see what it is.

Waiting like a stalking butler
The shadow feels like a person who is waiting and watching me, like a butler who serves their master's needs without question.

Who upon the finger rests.
The shadow seems to be in control of everything, like a ring on its finger that it uses to manipulate the situation.

Murder now the path called "must we"
The shadow is causing me to question everything that I thought was necessary or important in my life, making me feel like I need to destroy these things.

Just before the son has come.
This questioning and destruction is happening before a new day or opportunity arrives, adding to the urgency and uncertainty of the situation.

Jesus, won't you fucking whistle
The singer is desperately asking for guidance or help from a higher power, specifically Jesus, to provide a sign or signal for what to do next.

Something but the past and done?
The singer wants guidance for the future, not dwelling on the past or what has already happened.

Why can't we not be sober?
The singer is questioning why they can't be clear-headed and fully aware of their actions, instead of being clouded by their emotions and struggles.

I just want to start this over.
The singer wishes they could wipe the slate clean and begin again with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Why can't we drink forever.
The singer is recognizing that drinking or other vices can provide temporary relief from their problems, but they are questioning why this can't be a permanent solution.

I just want to start things over.
The singer is still longing for a chance to begin anew, looking for a way to escape their current situation.

I am just a worthless liar.
The singer is acknowledging their own shortcomings and faults, feeling like they are unworthy and deceitful.

I am just an imbecile.
The singer is demeaning themselves, feeling like they are stupid or uneducated.

I will only complicate you.
The singer believes that they will only bring complexity and difficulty to those around them, rather than helping or improving their lives.

Trust in me and fall as well.
Despite these negative self-assessments, the singer is asking others to trust them, knowing that it will likely lead to their own downfall as well.

I will find a center in you.
The singer is seeking comfort or stability from another person, hoping that they can provide the guidance and support that they need.

I will chew it up and leave,
Once this support or stability is found, the singer will consume it and then abandon it, leaving the other person behind and possibly worse off than before.

I will work to elevate you
The singer wants to help the other person improve their own life or situation, but recognizes that this may only lead to disappointment or regret in the end.

Just enough to bring you down.
The singer will only provide enough help or guidance to the other person to ultimately harm them, intentionally or unintentionally.

Trust me.
Despite all of their negative thoughts and intentions, the singer is still trying to convince others to put their faith in them.

Mother Mary won't you whisper.
Asking for help and guidance again, this time specifically from the Virgin Mary in hopes of finding relief or answers.

Something but what's past and done.
The singer is longing for a message or sign for the future, rather than dwelling on what has already happened and can't be changed.

Trust me.
The singer is repeating their plea for trust, despite acknowledging that they may not be trustworthy or beneficial in the long run.

I want what I want.
Ultimately, the song is about the singer's selfish desires and impulses, recognizing their own faults and struggles but still seeking relief and escape from their problems.