Pop standout Demi Lovato returns with an honest, moving new single, “Sober,” where she both reveals and apologizes for the fact that she’s no longer sober.

“I got no excuses / For all of these goodbyes / Call me when it’s over / ‘Cause I’m dying inside.” Folks, get your tissues. Celebrities are people too, something that’s often forgotten when discussing our favorite celebrities.  Demi Lovato possesses one of the most commanding, gifted voices in pop music.  It wouldn’t be a stretch to say, she sings like an angel.  But like everyone else, she has her own share of problems.  In her case, it’s substance abuse, specifically alcohol and cocaine abuse in the past.  The arrival of a new single, “Sober,” finds Lovato informing us that she has relapsed.

From the start of “Sober,” Lovato’s authenticity and sincerity are never disputable.  The aforementioned lyrics, excerpted from the first verse, depict her emotional state of mind.  On the second verse, she apologizes to her future lover, past lover, and her fans for her bad choices, closing out the verse singing, “But I’m only human.” Clearly, throughout this piano ballad, she’s disappointed that she’s allowed herself to return to her own destructive ways.  “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know why / I do it every, every, every time,” she sings on the pre-chorus.  On the chorus, she’s her most vulnerable.

“Momma, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore / And daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor / To the ones who never left me / We’ve been down this road before / I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore / I’m not sober anymore.”

Final Thoughts 

Man, Demi Lovato, “Sober” is heavy.  That said, imagine how much heavier the experiences that her, her friends and family are going through is regarding substance abuse.   Expectedly, Lovato delivers a stellar performance, even if “Sober” is more controlled and depressed compared to her energetic, upbeat records.  The big takeaway is that we wish Lovato the best of luck in reclaiming her sobriety and working through her issues.  We’re all “only human” after all.

Demi Lovato • Sober – Single • Island • Release: 6.21.18

Photo Credit: Island