Sober

Gavin James' song "Sober" delves into the complexities and heartache of a relationship that seems to thrive only under the influence of alcohol. The lyrics poignantly capture the emotional turmoil of loving someone who only reciprocates those feelings when they are not sober. The opening lines, "You bring the stars out / And you make it rain for days," set the stage for a relationship filled with highs and lows, where moments of joy are fleeting and often overshadowed by pain. The metaphor of hiding feelings in bottles suggests that the true emotions are suppressed, only to surface when intoxicated, much like the moonlight that disappears by morning.

The chorus, with its repeated questioning, "Will you love me, when you're sober? / Will you need me, all hungover?" highlights the uncertainty and insecurity that the narrator feels. This repetition underscores the desperation for genuine, sober affection, contrasting sharply with the temporary, alcohol-fueled love they currently experience. The line, "I'll keep dreaming, till it's over," suggests a sense of hopelessness, as the narrator clings to the dream of a stable, loving relationship despite knowing deep down that it may never come to fruition.

The song also touches on the difficulty of letting go, as seen in the lines, "No good at stayin' / No good at lettin' go." This reflects the internal struggle of wanting to hold on to the relationship despite its flaws, while also recognizing the need to move on. The imagery of being "caught in a dead-end" and the desire to go back to simpler times of "slow dancin'" further emphasize the longing for a past that may never be reclaimed. Ultimately, "Sober" is a heartfelt exploration of the pain of conditional love and the yearning for a deeper, more authentic connection.