Meaning of "Sober" by Niykee Heaton

"Sober" delves into the internal conflict of someone battling with addiction. The lyrics reveal the speaker's longing for a substance-induced escape, expressed by the desires to drink, smoke, and feel the sensations in their throat. However, they also convey the awareness of the negative consequences that come with indulging in these substances, as reflected in the lines "Then I sink, Then I choke, And I realize that I don't." The narrator recognizes the need for change and their inability to follow through, emphasizing their vulnerability and the emotional turmoil associated with addiction.

The repeated phrase "Leave every bottle as empty as my promises" encapsulates the essence of the song. It portrays the empty promises made to oneself and others in the pursuit of sobriety. Despite the speaker's genuine intention to get sober for someone or something, they continuously fail to resist the temptations. This repetition underscores their frustration and desperation to break free from the cycle.

The imagery of "feeding the monsters I'm afraid to fight" suggests that the addiction acts as a coping mechanism for deeper issues. The substances become a shield to numb the pain, fears, and insecurities that haunt the narrator. However, they are trapped in a self-perpetuating pattern of addiction and regret, represented by the line "And even though I know I shouldn't, I'm feeding the monsters." This highlights the internal struggle between the desire for change, exhibited in the promises to get sober, and the difficulty in breaking free from the allure of self-destructive behavior.

Ultimately, "Sober" captures the conflicting emotions and struggles associated with addiction. It explores the cyclical nature of addiction, the battle between wanting to change and succumbing to temptation, and the disappointment one feels in repeatedly failing to overcome a destructive habit.