Sober

The harmony of Sober is defined by the tension between D minor and the D Dorian mode. By using a G major chord (IV) rather than a G minor chord (iv), the song achieves a 'lifted' minor sound typical of 90s alternative metal. The composition stays grounded in a D pedal point facilitated by Drop D tuning, allowing for heavy, resonant power chords. The use of the flat-fifth (Ab) in the bridge provides the 'blue note' dissonance that bridges the gap between traditional blues-rock and modern progressive metal.

The song is one of the earliest works in Maynard James Keenan’s catalog, with origins tracing back to a 1987 live performance released as 'Peace Day' with his first band. While the lyrics were penned early on, the final track was credited to band members Danny Carey, Adam Jones, Maynard James Keenan, and Paul D’Amour. Adam Jones has clarified that the lyrics center on a friend of the band who struggled to find his artistic voice unless he was under the influence of substances.

Sober served as Tool's commercial breakthrough, defining the brooding aesthetic of early 1990s alternative metal. The track is anchored by Paul D'Amour's driving Rickenbacker bassline and Maynard James Keenan's dynamic, soaring vocal performance.