The meaning f this song is an apology, this song is about orphans and poor hungry starving people in third world country, or even right here in America, what Tim is saying is, "We left you behind in pursuit of wealth and comfort, we ignored you in your time of need, forgive me and take comfort in knowing the memory of me will decay before the memory of you will"

Okay a lot of good opinions the song meaning but. The song is about a friend (Or friends) who sat and watched as the writer (Tim) nearly destroyed himself, probably giving into depression, anger bitterness, and then things like alcohol and hard drugs, and this “ Friend” just sat there on his a* and watched it happen because he didn’ t want to be bothered by it…. He didn’ t want to leave his comfort zone, this “ Friend” was probably a Christian and knew Tim needed the answers but didn’ t want to confront him with it because he was comfortable were he was. And based on “ I would have stood by you right to the gates of hell” it was probably someone very close to him, he’ s also telling cowards like this who are to afraid to help people they care about for fear of feeling awkward need to get on the stick because pretty soon you’ ll have no friends left to help.