Sober

Album: My December (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Clarkson said on her record label's website that this song is about survival, knowing what to do when something goes wrong. She explained: "It's not easy getting over whatever your addiction may be. The whole point of that song is, the temptation is there, but I'm not going to give in to it."
  • My December saw Kelly Clarkson taking charge of her career for the first time after enduring years of pressure from music executives not to pile on the pounds. She explained to British gay magazine Attitude how this song describes how this changed her life for the better.

    "There's this line 'picked the weeds but kept the flowers,' and I just live my life by that, because you are who you surround yourself with," Clarkson said. "I was around some really negative people, and I got out of it because I had a lot of great people there too. It was a case of turning around, facing them and walking toward the light."

Comments: 3

  • Kayla Beaton from CanadaThis song is really beautiful. It's well written. I can relate to it by how I deal with having anxiety and OCD. It's been a journey with many ups and downs. Some days it's hard some days it's easier, I love this song. It's hard to explain but it helps me when I'm down.
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnThis song is a slow burner, it builds and builds and then fireworks.
  • Courtney from Salt Lake City, UtWhen I listen to this song I think of an abusive and/or bad relationship that has just ended. I picture her getting stronger as the months go on and not drowning her sorrows with alcohol. I can completely relate to this song. I played it over and over again before I gained the courage to break of with an abusive ex boyfriend.
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.