Tool Lyrics, Meaning & Videos

SoberTool Lyrics

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There's a shadow just behind meShrouding every step I takeMaking every promise emptyPointing every finger at meWaiting like a stalking butlerWho upon the finger restsMurder now the path of must weJust because the son has come

Jesus, won't you fucking whistleSomething but the past and done?Jesus, won't you fucking whistleSomething but the past and done?

Why can't we not be sober?Just want to start this overAnd why can't we drink forever?I just want to start this over

I am just a worthless liarI am just an imbecileI will only complicate youTrust in me and fall as wellI will find a center in youI will chew it up and leaveI will work to elevate youJust enough to bring you down

Mother Mary, won't you whisper?Something but what's past and doneMother Mary, won't you whisper?Something but the past and done

Why can't we not be sober?I just want to start this overAnd why can't we sleep forever?I just want to start this overWhy?

I am just a worthless liarI am just an imbecileI will only complicate youTrust in me and fall as wellI will find a center in youI will chew it up and leave

Trust meTrust meTrust meTrust meTrust me

Why can't we not be sober?I just want to start things overAnd why can't we sleep forever?I just want to start this overWhy?I want what I wantI want what I want

I want what I wantI want what I want

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tool's song "Sober" touch upon themes of deception, addiction, and the desire for redemption. The first verse describes a shadow that follows the singer, making promises empty and pointing fingers at them. The next lines mention a stalking butler who waits to kill the singer, perhaps a reference to their own self-destructive tendencies. The question is then asked of Jesus to provide something more than the past and done – to offer a way out of this cycle of addiction and pain.

The chorus is a plea to be sober, but also to start over, to somehow go back in time and make better choices. The singer longs to drink forever, but it's unclear if this is meant literally or metaphorically. The next verse is especially introspective, with the singer admitting their own worthlessness and foolishness. They explain that they will only complicate those around them, and that despite their desire to bring others up, they often end up tearing them down.

Line by Line Meaning

There's a shadow just behind meI feel like something is always following or haunting me

Shrouding every step I takeIt's affecting my every move and action

Making every promise emptyI can't keep my word to myself or others

Pointing every finger at meBlaming myself for everything

Waiting like a stalking butlerThe negative presence is always looming, like a butler waiting to serve

Who upon the finger restsIt's controlling and influencing my actions

Murder now the path of must weThe negativity is leading me down a destructive path

Just because the son has comeIt's like a cycle that repeats itself, like the rising of the sun

Jesus, won't you fucking whistleAsking for divine intervention or guidance

Something but the past and done?Asking for a new direction or hope for the future

Why can't we not be sober?Asking why it's so hard to break free from negative influences

Just want to start this overDesire for a fresh start

And why can't we drink forever?Asking why we can't escape reality permanently

I just want to start this overDesire for a new beginning

I am just a worthless liarFeeling like a failure or unworthy of trust

I am just an imbecileFeeling stupid or inadequate

I will only complicate youKnowing that I will add more problems to your life

Trust in me and fall as wellWarning others against trusting me and potentially getting hurt

I will find a center in youLooking for stability or grounding in another person

I will chew it up and leaveKnowing that I will ultimately sabotage the relationship

Mother Mary, won't you whisper?Calling for guidance or comfort

Something but what's past and doneDesire for a new direction or message

Trust meAsking for trust despite the previous warnings

Why can't we not be sober?Still struggling with negative influences

And why can't we sleep forever?Desire for an escape from reality

I want what I wantSelfish desire or obsession

I want what I wantRepetition reinforces the selfish desire

I want what I wantContinued obsession despite the negative consequences

I want what I wantDesire that may never be satisfied

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