Music Video Example: "Sober" by Tool

"Sober" by Tool is the music video I have chosen to showcase. Released as part of their first full-length feature album Undertow in 1994, "Sober" is a song that details the dangers of addiction, most specifically the addiction to alcohol. It was inspired by a friend of the band, who apparently "was only creative when under the influence." The accompanying music video utilizes clay figures and stop-motion animation. It has a very disturb tone, much like the song itself, making for a hauntingly memorable atmosphere.

The video itself follows a clay-like figure who is seemingly entrapped in a rundown apartment building. The figure wanders almost aimlessly around the apartment, usually carrying, inspecting and opening a mysterious box. This box is similar to that of Pandora's box in that the figure constantly opens it and unleashes his problems, in this case alcoholism (or perhaps drugs). When the box is opened it is a seemingly bottomless, dark pit that offers nothing. It is symbolic in that it contains the empty dreams and promises made while under the influence.

The lyrics go well with the video itself:
There's a shadow just behind me,

Shrouding every step I take,

Making every promise empty,

Pointing every finger at me.

Waiting like a stalking butler

Who upon the finger rests.

Murder now the path of "must we"

Just because the son has come.

Jesus, won't you fucking whistle

Something but the past is done?

Jesus, won't you fucking whistle

Something but the past is done?

Why can't we not be sober?

I just want to start this over.

Why can't we drink forever.

I just want to start this over.

I am just a worthless liar.

I am just an imbecile.

I will only complicate you.

Trust in me and fall as well.

I will find a center in you.

I will chew it up and leave,

I will work to elevate you

Just enough to bring you down.

Mother Mary won't you whisper

Something but the past is done.

Mother Mary won't you whisper

Something but the past is done.

Why can't we not be sober?

Just want to start this over.

Why can't we sleep forever.

I just want to start this over.

I am just a worthless liar.

I am just an imbecile.

I will only complicate you.

Trust in me and fall as well.

I will find a center in you.

I will chew it up and leave,

Trust me [x5]

Why can't we not be sober?

Just want to start things over.

Why can't we sleep forever.

I just want to start this over.

I want what I want [x4]