Sober Up (feat. Rivers Cuomo)

AJR's song 'Sober Up,' featuring Rivers Cuomo, delves into the emotional complexities of growing up and the longing to reconnect with the innocence and vibrancy of youth. The lyrics open with a nostalgic greeting, 'Hello, hello,' setting the tone for a journey back to simpler times. The singer reflects on a past friendship from 'recess in second grade,' a time when life felt uncomplicated and full of genuine emotions. This longing for the past is a recurring theme, as the singer hopes that being missed by an old friend will make him 'feel young' again.

The chorus, 'Won't you help me sober up,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the desire to escape the emotional numbness that often accompanies adulthood. The phrase 'sober up' is not about alcohol but rather about regaining a sense of emotional clarity and authenticity. The singer laments that 'growing up made me numb' and expresses a deep yearning to 'feel something again.' This sentiment is further emphasized by the observation that 'all the big kids they are drunk,' suggesting that many adults are similarly lost in a haze of superficiality and disconnection.

In the bridge, the lyrics take a more personal turn with the line 'My favorite color is you,' symbolizing a person who brings vibrancy and youthfulness back into the singer's life. This individual 'vibrates out my frequency,' aligning perfectly with the singer's need to feel young and alive. The repetition of 'How's it go again?' throughout the song underscores the struggle to remember and reclaim those lost feelings of joy and authenticity. Ultimately, 'Sober Up' is a poignant exploration of the challenges of growing up and the universal desire to reconnect with the pure, unfiltered emotions of our younger selves.