Lyric discussion by EddieVedder 

Cover art for Off He Goes lyrics by Pearl Jam

To me, it means "the loss" of my best friend. He didn't die, but moved away, and we've gradually lost touch. As far as Eddie goes, the real Eddie, he is talking about himself. I saw a consert once where he said: "This next song is about having an asshole for a friend", and then pointed at himself.