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

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."