Sober
Rivers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I know there is somewhere you belong
and it's not here
I can't help but not care if it's wrong
when you're here
I promise I
won't ask you why

I know I've got what you're looking for
nothing less or more
I wonder what you're running from
or who can't keep you
home at night
but I won't ask you why

You say you don't care about it
but can you live without it
'cause you keep coming back for more
and I ain't the one to show you the door
I don't have to keep you
sober

You're betraying honesty for me
'cause you're addicted
I've been trading innocence for you
I don't mind 'cause you light the fire
and I won't ask you why

You say you don't care about it
but can you live without it
'cause you keep coming back for more
and I ain't the one to show you the door
I don't have to keep you

I'm the one
who holds the gun
I won't pull the trigger 'till I figure out

If you really don't care about it
can you live without it
you say you don't care about it
but can you live without it
'cause you keep coming back for more
and I ain't the one to show you the door




I don't have to keep you
sober

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rivers's song 'Sober' tell a story about a relationship that is in a state of constant turmoil. The singer is aware that the person they are singing to does not belong with them, yet they can't bear to see them go. The chorus raises the question of whether this person can truly live without the relationship and the addiction it brings. The singer seems to hold the power in the relationship, but they are struggling with whether or not to let go. They imply a sense of guilt for using this person's addiction towards them, and for being willing to trade their innocence and honesty for the passion and fire this person brings into their life.


The lyrics of 'Sober' could be interpreted as a commentary on the dangers of addiction and the devastating effects it can have on relationships. The singer is willing to accept and feed into this person's addiction despite knowing that it is not healthy or sustainable - all because they cannot let them go. There is a sense of manipulation in the relationship, with the singer pulling the strings while the other person succumbs to their addiction. At the same time, the lyrics suggest a sense of sympathy and even love towards this person, as the singer is willing to let them stay even though they shouldn't. Ultimately, the song is about the difficult decisions we make in relationships and the complex emotions that drive them.


Line by Line Meaning

I know there is somewhere you belong
I am aware that there is a place where you feel like you fit in.


and it's not here
But it is not here with me.


I can't help but not care if it's wrong
I cannot help but be indifferent to whether this is the right thing or not.


when you're here
As long as you are present with me.


I promise I
I vow.


won't ask you why
Not to inquire about what led you here.


I know I've got what you're looking for
I am certain that the things you seek, I possess.


nothing less or more
I have just what you need, neither more nor less.


I wonder what you're running from
I am curious to know what makes you flee.


or who can't keep you home at night
Or who is unable to make you feel safe and settled.


but I won't ask you why
I won't question your motive or your reasons.


You say you don't care about it
You claim to be nonchalant about it.


but can you live without it
But can you truly exist without it?


'cause you keep coming back for more
Since you keep returning for more.


and I ain't the one to show you the door
I am not the one who will force you to leave.


I don't have to keep you
I am not obliged to hold on to you.


sober
In the right state of mind and free of addiction.


You're betraying honesty for me
You are sacrificing truth and sincerity for me.


'cause you're addicted
Because you are hooked and dependent.


I've been trading innocence for you
I have been exchanging my purity for you.


I don't mind 'cause you light the fire
I do not mind because you ignite my passion or excitement.


and I won't ask you why
And I won't inquire about your motives or reasons.


I'm the one
I am the person.


who holds the gun
Who is in control of the situation.


I won't pull the trigger 'till I figure out
I won't take any action until I have analyzed the situation.


If you really don't care about it
If you genuinely do not care about it.


can you live without it
Can you exist or survive without it?


you say you don't care about it
You argue that you have no desire for it.


but can you live without it
But can you endure the absence of it?


'cause you keep coming back for more
Because you persistently return for additional doses.


and I ain't the one to show you the door
And I am not the one who will force you out.


I don't have to keep you
I am not required to keep you tied down or sustained.


sober
In the right state of mind and free of addiction.




Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

DrGilda Carle

BRILLIANT SONG! Yes, ladies, it's not our job to keep a guy sober!! Just Brilliant, and I'm referencing this song in my new book for young women.

Showdown

Definitely underrated!!!

Lonieke Horninge

Leuke video en mooi liedje :D

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