Sober

Album: N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Sober" is a reflective ballad inspired by Bad Wolves vocalist Tommy Vext's own battle with alcoholism. It tells the story of a relationship deeply affected by the cycle of alcohol and drug abuse, but not giving up on the addict who is trying to better themselves.

    "This song was a unique opportunity to talk about addiction not only from the perspective of the addict but also from the perspective of their loved ones," Vext said of "Sober." "The message is very different from traditional songs that seem to always perpetuate a mentality of self victimization, which is exactly the kind of misguided thinking that perpetuates the mental obsessive side of alcoholism and addiction. In the end, the moral of the story is about holding on to not giving up on ourselves or the people who are trying -- who are really, really trying to make and better themselves."
  • The song's music video opens with a voiceover describing how alcoholism destroys lives without discriminating between sex, race, gender identity or religion. The action turns to an addiction recovery meeting, in which a series of addicts, including Tommy Vext, share their stories.
  • Bad Wolves released a second video for the song. It includes footage from the movie Sno Babies about two college-bound best friends who battle with opiate addiction. The visual's release coincided with the launch of the Wolfpack Recovery charity campaign. The initiative benefits Rock to Recovery, which uses music therapy to help those battling addiction, eating disorders and mental health issues.
  • The song topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, becoming Bad Wolves' fourth #1 on the survey out of five singles. Only "Hear Me Now" failed to reach the Mainstream Rock summit out of their first five releases; it "only" peaked at #2.

Comments: 1

  • Kasie Perrin from Nygrate song
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.