American Rapper FIRST time EVER hearing Tool - Sober! BLIND REACTION 

The Tool army will decend upon your channel!

One key to help this song make sense: the majority of the song he is speaking from the perspective of a drug to its user. "i am just a worthless liar. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave" Also, Maynard, as a writer, is more of a story-teller so a lot of the time when he is saying the word "I..." he may not be talking about himself literally, but more of the subject of the story he is trying to tell. Of course, he has plenty of writing that is about his actual self as well, but this is not one of those.

Watch the live version next, it will blow you away! Loved both of your comments through this, much respect🙏🏻🤘

This song is not my first choice to introduce someone to Tool. I’d recommend “The Pot” or “Lateralus” next. Or “Parabol” and Parabola”, but the two need to be played back to back as they are connected almost like an intro and song. Tool is known for polyrhythms and deep lyricism. Also, yes…. If you start doing Tool songs the “Tool army” will descend on your channel because we love nothing more than introducing people to their music.

Thanks for sharing all that, guys. Really appreciated the openness. Next song: The Pot. Trust me. It’s funky and bops hard. After that, you’ll have to keep going. Promise.

Oh man. My favorite reactors FINALLY dipping their toes into the Tool pool!!! Dive in head first! You won't be disappointed!!

the song in a nutshell is about addiction , it is about a friend of his that felt that he could only be creative while he was under the influence. I have heard Tool's music compared to a horrific accident , you wanna look away but you can't , the music just draws you in. Makes you feel uncomfortable but comforted at the same time.

This song is about battling addiction. The stalking butler is the addiction. Great reaction. "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"

THIS is what a reaction vid should be! So much respect to you guys for opening up and being sincere. ❤ Tool's music is a tool. 😊

Hey Don, Thanks so much for sharing with us. Not easy to admit where you were and how dark things were. Really glad you're in a better place and you're still here with us. When this song came out, I was in High School... and honestly, it resonated with me so much.. I actually think it helped me NOT become addicted to anything. My family history said I should have gone down that same path... but hearing this strangely beautiful bald man scream out his anguish made me take notice. Love your reactions, guys!!! keep it up!!!

This, of course, is an iconic Tool song that sprung them into stardom. But this album, & especially everything that followed is truly epic. Tool is one of a kind. Tool is mysterious. Tool is thought provoking. Tool is emotional. Tool is life changing. Tool is my favorite band of all time! I hope you dive into more.

Lateralus, 46 & 2, The Pot, Right in Two, Parabol and Parabola, they have a ton of good music!

The live version from the 90s is such a show. Tool is a major rabbit hole. Don, thank you for the personal reaction.

The song was written about a friend of the band.. the friend was a substance addict, but did not think of himself as an addict, he rather blamed the using on the fact he could only operate “at his artistic best” when he was highly intoxicated. And we can see via the analogies used within this song... the song is full of contradictions which is the daily struggle of an addict... The song is about addiction and drug abuse. The first verse describes the creeping, uncomfortable urges that follow an addict through his daily life. The drugs make you lie and view the world through paranoid eyes. The lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, refers to the addiction as a "stalking butler" to indicate that the drugs are always a constant presence just waiting for you to reach out for their help to maintain your high or relieve some pain. Keenan whines that he wants to be under the influence, and almost in the same breath, that he wants to start over. This is the back-and-forth internal struggle he has with the elation of being high and the deep regret over his ruined life from the addiction. He goes on to give the drug a voice, calling itself "a worthless liar" and an "imbecile". The drug will get under your skin and "find the center in you", then build you up just enough to bring you down. The song ends with Keenan repeating the lyric, "I want what I want". He is referring to when the addiction takes hold and no amount of reasoning or rational thinking can get between an addict and their drug of choice.

thank you Don for being so open. i’ve always found that people who have struggled with addiction, or are close to someone who has, are the ones that pick up the meaning of this song. to be honest, i’m happy when people don’t get it on their own, because it means maybe they’ve never had to fight the demons off like we have 💜

I subscribed because I am 42 and TOOL now is much more relevant to my life than when I saw them live in high school in the 90s. They are the best band for creating dialog and critical thinking for reaction videos. Stay with just the tracks and lyrics and don't let the videos distract you. They are good for after you get it. All songs are just as relevant so pick what you want.

Double negative, in TOOL Sober. 'Why can't we not be sober?'

You are about to be inundated by Tool Army drowning you in facts 😂

The absolute beautiful thing about TOOL is that it truly makes you think!!! Which is why I love this band so much!!!

Respect to both of you for sharing your problems from the past. Very brave, hope many listen to you and can deal with their own problems.

Wow pegasus for a first time listen and not being a metal head you did a really good job finding your truth in that track❤ well done how Tool intended 👏

I could never be a reactor because I have literally heard every song you react to. But I love seeing you watching it for the 1st time

Since it got brought up, Puscifer - the Humbling River It's a beautiful song about someone who has conquered every trial in their life except for "the river" and pleads to an angel to show him the way.

Didn’t expect this band! Tool and Ren are two of my fave writers.

After hearing your thoughts on the song, I think their track Lateralus would be awesome. That is a very well composed track with awesome lyrics. Especially when you consider life as a whole.

Tool is my favorite band of all time. Followed very closely by Jinjer. Who you should definitely do more of. I’ve seen Tool probably 12 times over the years and they’re one of the most incredible live shows ever.

I have a Tool suggestion. Hear me out; the song is Hooker with a Penis. It's a metal diss track. Don't be fooled by the title. It's deep.

Love you guys for trying out other genres. Keep it up!

The way you guys broke this down was beautiful to watch.

This song is a plea. A voice screaming, crying, "why?". Why is my life so much confusion? SO. FUCKED. UP?! Why is my life filled with so much pain?! Speaking personally when I was in the depths of my depression I had a term I used I called "running to sleep" because that's what I did every night, I ran to sleep! Because only when I was asleep did my mind, which was torturing me by my own volition with thoughts that were on constant repeat, was silenced...temporarily. When my head hit the pillow and I fell into unconsciousness so did this plagued mind of mine. This song is a roar in the face of the universe from the wounded and afflicted. Gripping the edge of the blanket we pray....can't we just go back?! To when things were simple, and free. Before we started making mistakes. Hurting others. Hurting ourselves...please...can we?!

It’s a song about getting sober. Alluding to all things in recovery including the 12 step program. This is an early Tool track and I believe Maynard may have also been expressing some anger to his experience of hypocrisy in religion but I’m certain a bigger Tool fan will correct anything I got wrong. 🤘

There’s nothing more goosebump inducing than hearing the entire crowd sing the “trust me…trust me” at a tool show.

Fun Tool fact - their guitarist is also a special effects and set design guy for the movie industry. Can't be bothered to look anything up right now - but I remember reading many years ago that he worked on Jurassic Park and Terminator 2

I subscribed because of your Ren reviews, but PLEASE go down the Tool rabbit hole! ❤❤❤

Sober live 1993 is a must watch 🧡🙏

As a recovering alcoholic myself, this songs hits me hard, everytime i listen to it. Your reaction and honesty made me hit subscribe. Thanks!!

The thing is...Tool's (Maynard's) lyrics are almost always written in such a way that the listener can find a meaning in them that is relevant to their own life and experiences. The inspiration for him to write the lyrics may be one specific thing, but there are often at least 2 or 3 other layers that can be dug into to find something that resonates with you.

Why can't we NOT be sober.... double negative for emphasis

I loved the honest reaction and exploration of the themes of the song. Videos like this one are the reason I watch reaction videos

My favorite reaction you guys have had on this channel. The personal details and really sharing experience, in depth discussion of the lyrics. Opening up about what it means to be human, bringing up the Illiad to reference how old and innate addiction is and what it means to be a man and better yourself. I loved how you guys kind of didnt get it at first, and then it slapped Don on the face hard and brought him back to the bad times, and him sharing his past made BP realize what the song was about, and let him attach to it in his own way. Very cool experience gentlemen. Much love.

This was a really interesting reaction. I'm enjoying watching you guys dive into different genres and relating things to your own experiences. This is arguably the most openly relatable Tool song out there (maybe Aenima for some people). Definitely continue diving down this rabbit hole.

“Stalking butler” something waiting in the shadows for you to need them. In this case, drugs and addiction. “Why can’t we NOT be sober” (Why do we have to be sober) “Why can’t we drink forever” Weed lets me sleep and cope with my anxiety. And I just like it. I quit drinking over a decade ago. It was only fun for awhile.

The Pot and Lateralus really are best to start off with when discovering Tool. But have to say you guys did a beautiful job with this. The openess and honesty was felt and appreciated

I'm an oldschool Tool-head. But personally, I recommend you start off with Lateralus and yer headphones on 😉👍

It's "why can't we NOT be sober" the "not" changes everything

Being a liar faking it everyday that you're okay and nobody can tell that you're just ready to blow up. Great reaction guys.

I’m impressed that BP went from “It’s interesting.” (ie, I’m not feeling this or understanding what the lyrics are saying) to pretty much seeing and understanding all of it at the end. And big kudos to Don for being so open about personal and family travails. Much like Don, this song was just a cool one to watch back in the 90s on MTV because of the incredible stop-motion animation. I didn’t ‘get’ the song until I watched some reactions during Covid. The song itself is fairly straightforward musically for a Tool song. Those that know the band better than me will direct you toward the next choice. The Pot is a great one.

I’m a VERY late to the party Tool fan. Knew of them because of their early videos, but really didn’t dig deep until the pandemic when I needed something to do to escape. One thing I’ll say is that they really started making sense to me (the lyrics at least) when I read about Maynard’s history, specifically with his mother. The music though is SO intricate.

Bro droppin truth bombs, talkin about chasing the feelings.... Great reaction!

I liked this song from day one but I didn't get it either. It wasn't until recently that I gained great appreciation for the band and essentially joined the Tool Army. So many times I questioned my worth. Sober is about that. So many other songs later I discovered a part of me inside Tool. There is so much more to hear that will blow your mind in a wonderful way.

I liked the ramble city. It helped me get some insight into who you guys are as PEOPLE. I really enjoyed it, and I always enjoy your reactions, thoughts, etc..

Welcome into the best rabbit hole on the planet ! Tool Army there waiting for more

I really appreciate how don Juanabe was willing to be so frank in his discussion about his history with alcohol. Im a recovering alcoholic and the fear of opening to others when i realized i had a problem kept me from getting the help i needed fir years, its not an easy thing to admit especially on a place like youtube so i just wanted to say thank you , youre spot on with the lyrics and i hope people can watch this and realize theyre not alone when dealing with addiction.

"I will only elevate you, just enough to bring you down." seems to fit what Don was describing, drinking and then laying in bed wanting things to be done, chasing that feeling that they never get.

Tool are the smartest band in the world...and my personal favourite......they change the way i listen to music.....and to an extent.....looked at life......spiral out....

Your discussion and sharing, is an enormous service to the community Men and those suffering from 'isim's. Thanks for sharing 🙏

Don talking about that feeling of not wanting to get out of bed reminded me of the opening of "Chalk Outlines" (I'm still hеrе in this bеd thаt I сrаwlеd in / I hоpе thаt I'm sоmеоnе еlsе in thе mоrning). Glad to watch this reaction, but it's not going on a playlist or have me very inspired. You two were great though. I love it when you're open (or when your bouncing- that always cracks me up).

I think you would appreciate Wings For Marie and 10,000 days (they are part 1 and 2 and should be done together). They are about the death of Maynard's mother after many years of paralysis. They're very moving, and incredibly beautiful.

This song is ultimately about addiction. It helps me through my life as a sober person. I like your reaction videos dude! You are open minded and get it like most people don't.

I love this song so much. I gravitated to tool when i was younger because of being in a rough place mentally. So the bits about self hate felt like i wasn't alone. Im not sure tool has upbeat songs.

Oh god he called on us enjoy the thousands of new subs tool army is here

My cup runneth over yet I'm still surprised when people haven't heard of them. 30 years of Tool and it still sends shivers of amazement down my spine.

that turned into a terrific reaction guys you nailed the esccence of this, he also had perfect circle

that shirt is DOPE AF, my man!!!

So glad you're doing Tool. DO MORE TOOL.

Tool is amazing. This song and others have helped me get off a 13 year cocaine addiction. So much love for them for helping in the way they did. Owe these guys for making my life better than it once was. That said... this isnt a great introduction to TOOL but i advise you to check out more. 46 and 2 and Schism and The pot are usually beginner tool fan makers.

Your comment "That is where the art lies.." comment struck me in a relatable way. I never would have thought that myself, but am glad you said it.

Thanks for doing this guys. Would love to see more tool.

Yeah before I came across tool. I was a 90s rap and r&b lover for a big portion of my life….Tool changed me and the way I viewed music and life. Tool isn’t music you just tap your foot to. It demands your attention. There is so much mastery going on in their music…and the lyrics is the tasty topping. The lyrics are so deep and mind expansive…..the music itself does the same thing. They are an experience….type of music you have to have headphones and just close your eyes and let it take you. The reason why some people don’t like them because they have short attention spans and don’t put enough energy into just sitting without distractions and just listen

Maynard is a GOAT. I have such nostalgia for them. Seeing them live was mind blowing... But after my teenage years Maynard's other band, A Perfect Circle, was more my style. 🔥🔥🔥

Tool is literally one of the greatest lyrically meaningful bands in history

T00L Army incoming… enjoy the ride 🌀🌀🌀

More Tool guys! They don't miss.

Also you could take part of that 2nd verse as the drug. "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(make you feel better) just enough to bring you down." Pretty deep!

Wow, love the commentary. The song made you think deeper than you thought it would.

Ahhh,Tool.Keep it coming your reactions are heartfelt and go deep👍.Tool are Quality,you won't be disappointed❤🇬🇧

Whoever the guy on the left is, thanks for opening up about recovery. It ain’t easy but we all are on the same boat.

I hate when people pick this as the first song. It's a great song but it seems like such a watered down version of their music. You'll get what I'm saying if you keep going. Which I really hope you guys do!

There are plenty of explanations for the lyrics (people read into things a lot). The point of the song was to show the struggle of a friend of the band with serious addiction issues. His addiction practically stalked him (or so it seemed) and (YES guys he was calling out to god asking why he HAD to suffer) Then much like in Hi Ren, the song takes a turn and the drugs are talking "I am just a worthless liar, I am just an imbecil, I will only complicate you, trust in me and fall as well." The power of that message shook the fandom into devotees. I like this song, Swim, Prison Sex and 46&2 are also fun songs. They did over time develop their style so very much because Maynard is a mad genius. He's the one who does the stop animation for all of the videos. He's meticulous, not just with his lyrics, but his musicianship and hiis very approach to the performances themselves. I saw a comment suggesting you see the live version of this song and I have to agree. The lyrics are mind bending sure, but the performances of this band are epic in themselves. I'm sure plenty of people are going to send you to their deeper songs, The Pot, Parabol and Parabola, Lateralus, these are all technically magnifacent songs. The depth of THIS song doesn't even compare to the depth in those that came after I promise you. I appreciate you both for your takes, I love hearing you guys talk it out because you get to a lot of the conclusions we'll eventually come to the comment section to echo.

Wait 15 + more years... you'll see things a bit differently!! Blessed Be, & Peace! 🙏☮

What I get out of "Jesus, won't you f*cking whistle" is "why won't you call me home", as one whistles to call their dog. And it follows into "Why can't we drink forever" as a double entendre... why can't we (drink forever) and why can't we drink (forever), or taste death. To start this over is to be reincarnated. And that really comes into the forefront with the next set with Mother Mary and the 'sleep forever' changeup.

damn, I refreshed and exited the chat! Guys you got it, this song is like the internal dialogue in Ren's "Hi Ren", and we can hear the addiction and the human talking to each other, and the addiction stating what he wants and the human wanting to stop and start again, and have peace finally. When you are rock bottom and ask whoever your god or what you believe in, to send you a sign how to get out of the damn hole, you just want a whisper or whatever, but many times you can't find "HOPE" and see the light anywhere. Tool is often cryptic in the messages but so metaphorically beautiful, always deep and raw in meaning, and there's no room for repetition of patterns as their songs are always like a rollercoaster. But one that you would absolutely love riding! Buckle up and welcome to the next rabbit hole. You should watch the live performance of this song, but if you want somethinf full of meaning and more uplifting I would suggest "Lateralus" to really get what they are about. Think about the fact that it was written follwoing the fibonacci sequence somewhere... I don't want to reveal all of it!

The "Jesus won't you f*cking whistle" part makes me picture something like: Jesus sidled up on him (like a lithe butler that appears suddenly like a thief in the night) and caught him in his decaying state, unprepared and not ready to face him.

It was a mad battle inside your mind!! Between addiction, and you not wanting it anymore, and not just to save yourself, but everybody else around you!!

I was working in an abandoned apartment building fixing cables and found a TOOL cd and became an Instant fan. They have the greatest drummer Danny Carey !

Its the double negative for me "why CANT we NOT be sober" WHY CAN WE BE SOBER.

Absolutely LOVE me some Tool! A Perfect Circle as well, Maynard is something special!

Congrats for getting it! I too found this in retrospect after my own self-destruction.

Great conversation guys. Don, hugs.

You think Ren fans are crazed, wait for the Tool army to show up.❤

The song is about a dude Maynard knew who struggled with addiction because he only felt creative when he was loaded. The line 'can't we start things over?', has a double meaning because the guy always wanted to start or do something new but also meant he either wanted to get sober or drunk again. The shadow who is a creeping butler is his addiction.

Culling voices after seeing it live has become a personal favorite hoping you join the army soon

Thank you guys. Genuine thank you. Finally I can find an avenue to help explain to my partner why I am the way I am. Recognition and explanation are a Tool we must adapt.

He ABSOLUTELY has struggled with addiction!!

My favourite band, Tool are phenomenal....you need to watch the live version of Intolerance.

Chasing a feeling... truer words never were said.

TOOL EXISTS TO BECOME THE MOTIVATION FOR YOU TO REACH THE NEXT LEVEL. The Internal push to evolve into whatever you need to do. Spirituality and Emotionally tuned to focus your journey into your development and understand to follow your destiny. ❤ That's why they deep😅 emotionally compromised people need constant validation. I was going from girl to girl looking for acceptance and that was how I would self medicate. There is no difference between that and any other addiction 💕

fuck yes let's dive into tool baby. The pot next that's a good starter song as well

this band is a rabbit hole. Brilliant musicians, brilliant songwriting. I would suggest The Pot.

I will tell you this mr. Pegasus and mr. Dom will blow their shit when they hear this band