Meaning of Sober by Post Malone

The song "Sober" by Post Malone featuring YG and Roddy Ricch explores the complex dynamics of relationships, addiction, and self-perception. Through its raw and honest lyrics, the song delves into the highs and lows of love, capturing the vulnerability and struggles that come with being emotionally detached and dependent on substances.One of the standout lines in the song is "She only like me when I'm sober, that's when I don't like me at all." This lyric encapsulates the central theme of the song, which is the protagonist's realization that his partner only appreciates him when he is sober. It highlights the internal conflict of not liking oneself and seeking validation from others. It explores the struggle of feeling unloved and unworthy unless he conforms to a particular state of being, in this case, sobriety.Another important lyric is "Fell up ice to the brim, brim, brim, I like it colder." This lyric, delivered by Roddy Ricch, speaks to the allure of indulging in excessive substance use as a means of escaping reality. It suggests that the protagonist finds solace in numbing their emotions, visualizing their drink as a metaphorical shield from the pain and struggles of life. This theme of self-medication and avoidance emerges as a result of feeling unloved and unvalued.The line "But when I'm sober, that's the only time she love me" emphasizes the protagonist's dilemma of only being desired when he is not under the influence. There is an underlying suggestion that his partner is attracted to a version of him that he himself does not like. This brings up the theme of external perceptions of self-worth and the destructive cycle of trying to please others while neglecting personal growth and happiness.The lyric "I'ma be a changed man when you come around, but thank God you don't want me back now" offers a glimpse into the internal conflict faced by the protagonist. It suggests that there is a desire to change and be better, but the absence of love from his partner has made him question whether it is too late. This theme explores the deep impact of rejection and the transformative power it can have on an individual.Furthermore, the line "Wanna tell you that I love you, but the beer would fall out" implies that the protagonist struggles to vocalize his emotions when he is not under the influence. It represents the difficulty of expressing genuine feelings and vulnerability without the aid of substances. This theme highlights the distorted perception of emotions that can arise when relying on substances as a crutch.Overall, "Sober" uses poignant lyrics and introspective themes to paint a vivid picture of the complexities that come with addiction, self-perception, and the pursuit of love. It illustrates the internal battle between seeking external validation and finding self-acceptance. The song serves as a reminder that true happiness and love can only be achieved by embracing and loving oneself, independent of the influence of others or substances.