I'm quite sure that this song was written in memory of Layne Staley and how his life ended in demise. Heroin overdose. Jerry Cantrell was very close to Staley in the beginning days of aic but after Dirt, they somewhat drifted apart, mainly due to Staley's long battle with addiction. As he drifted from the band, he also alienated his family. After his death Layne's whole family gathered at the memorial to pay homage to him, with the whole band at their side. Staley's decisions in life, left those who loved him realizing that it was too late. Basically what Doomed has interpreted is appears completely accurate, I've just taken it a step further with the specific motivation for the lyrics. I think my view can be backed up from articles and interviews found on the net. Cheers!