These Sober October songs are compelling and, inadvertently, all have an underlying theme of redemption. Grace is such a big part of recovery, so we could talk about it all day long. After all, it is only by the grace of God that we go. To keep our serenity, we learn to give and receive forgiveness freely. Because of this, we always like to discuss songs that deliver this message.
We are excited to share new songs to add to your ultimate sober playlist. Remember that our reviews are always written through the recovery lens. The meaning we derive from the lyrics may not necessarily be in sync with what the writers or artists intended. However, the songs we select speak to us and represent some part of our recovery journey. So, enjoy the tunes!
First up is Matt Maeson, with his emotionally raw lyrics on coming to terms with past mistakes
One of the gifts of sobriety is that when you do the work, you are free to be authentic. It’s as if you are hyper-tuned and can no longer tolerate your BS. You crave a new level of authenticity from yourself and others. This is one of the many reasons Matt Maeson’s lyrics immediately resonated. Maeson dares to bring personal learning experience to live with past mistakes into his work. This results in a feeling of instant connection for people who have gone down a similar path in the battle with drugs and alcohol. It’s like the kinship you feel when you find someone who went to your college or someone who has the identical celebrity doppelganger or the same birthday but much more profound.
Go Easy takes you right back to that space of being newly sober. You’ve had a spiritual experience and are living in steps 10-12, working your butt off to stay spiritually fit. Things are different, but your loved ones can’t see them yet. Sitting in uncomfortable limbo is necessary without old numbing mechanisms until your present actions create new perceptions that overtake those caused by your past. Desperate for a second chance, your internal voice pleads, “Please just go easy on me,” even though you don’t deserve it.
Matt Maeson’s lyrics portray many of the inner struggles experienced by addicts. We speak the same language, and it is beautifully BS-free
The saving grace comes in the unshakeable new reality of living a purpose-driven life experienced in active recovery. This idea is powerfully played out in the chorus. “Can’t change me” – we can’t keep dwelling on our past or paying for it. “Can’t save me” – we can’t conquer the addiction ourselves, and nothing anyone does or thinks can save us. “Can’t blame me” – addiction is a disease. We did not choose it. “I know love” – we feel worthy of receiving real love in recovery. We learn to love ourselves despite what anyone else does or thinks. Our past is reconciled as we use our experiences to help others, especially those battling addiction. There is also hope that friends and loved ones eventually do catch up with the new you, even though it may take some time.
Tree 63’s version of Amazing Grace is the classic redemption song with a twist.
Artists usually create Gospel renditions of this age-old song. But not today. This tune totally rocks! Tree 63’s version leaves us energized, ready to go out and take on the world. The tempo may be exciting, but the message of redemption is the same and just as impactful as it has always been. Many of us did things we were not proud of while active in our disease of addiction. Coming to terms with this, asking for forgiveness, and making things right are crucial to recovery. With God’s grace, we find acceptance and even come to appreciate our past. We also come to realize that God has always been with us. As the song reminds us, It was HIS grace that brought us here, and it is HIS grace that will guide us through to the end.
Born Again by The Saint Motels was not meant to be a Jesus jam, but it is.
Saint Motel is not a band of Holy Rollers. Born Again is not meant to be a Jesus jam, but with the subject matter and the backup gospel choir, it could easily be one. Well, except for the obvious satirical undertones and multiple F-bombs. The writers admit the song straddles both sides of being Born Again as it portrays the concept as being both ridiculous and providing hope.
Born Again makes our list because, regardless of the band’s intent, it references a compelling concept in recovery. “We were reborn”. Old behaviors, habits, attitudes, and perceptions must die. What we were doing wasn’t working. To recover, we must set aside everything we think we know and become teachable. We have to prepare for a new way of living and encounter with our higher power. This type of experience is what Born Again describes in about 300 words. Addiction is serious, and recovery takes real work. However, alcoholics are “not a glum lot,” and Saint Motel gives us a light-hearted way to celebrate being Born Again. There will always be doubters, but we know our truth. In recovery, we see miracles every day. Heck, every one of us is a miracle. So, we believe!
Macklemore’s Shadow reminds us that alcoholism is the ever-present, cunning, and subtle foe we can’t escape.
We have nothing but mad respect for Macklemore. Getting sober is hard and it is an extremely personal journey. Experiencing this journey in the most public way requires an extreme amount of courage and a very strong character. Those willing to share their struggle provide hope for those suffering in silence. This amount of transparency is often what pushes alcoholics into getting help.
Relapses can be devasting for anyone. The shame runs deep. With Shadow, Macklemore brings this battle into the light. He also addresses the relentless and deadly nature of the disease. This is another one that hits hard and is way close to home. It provides one of the best descriptions of the disease you’ll see. We often have it on repeat and have listened to it hundreds of times. It is somewhat of a sobriety anthem that jumps up and shakes you out of complacency.
Thank you, Macklemore for giving us such a powerful reminder of where the disease of alcoholism can take us. No words could accurately describe what this song does for an alcoholic. So, we encourage you to just listen for yourself. Like, right now!
We’re nominating Elton John’s I’m Still Standing for the “best breaking-up with booze ballad”
This song was written a kiss-off to an old girlfriend. However, a lot has changed for Sir Elton Hercules John since then. Based on how things have evolved, this now seems better served as a break-up ballad for booze.
“I’m still standing better than I ever did. Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid” describes how alcoholics feel after we have done the work, and the obsession has been removed. Freed from the grips of addiction, we emerge as better versions of ourselves. We have been given a new lease on life and are ready to take on the world with child-like joy. Now present for things we blacked out before is like experiencing things for the first time as a child would. It’s an incredible ride. “Picking up the pieces of my life without you (alcohol) on my mind.” Once freed from the mental obsession, alcoholics are able to rebuild our lives and can finally start becoming the kind of humans our creator meant for us to be.
Happy 30th Birthday Sir Elton John!
If there is anyone who thinks the recovery from extreme substance abuse is not possible, just look at Elton John’s journey. It is truly a miracle that he is still standing. He celebrated 30 years of sobriety this year! He posted this on Twitter: “If I hadn’t finally taken the big step of asking for help 30 years ago, I’d be dead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who have inspired and supported me.” (Please note that this article was originally published in October 2020, which means that Sir Elton John is now 34 years sober. What an icon!)
We are so grateful that Elton John is still standing for so many reasons. Obviously, he has living legend-level talent and has given us the gift of numerous iconic hits. We are equally appreciative of what he has done for the recovery community. He is now known as the “Hollywood Helper” and has been there for so many celebrities. For instance, Eminem called when he needed help. Most importantly, we all benefit from John’s choice to recover out loud. You can learn more about his unbelievable story in John’s autobiography, Me, and the biopic, Rocketman.
Enjoy the tunes and let us know what’s on your sober playlist!
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
