As so many people have stated above, this is about the last stages of a relationship in which Dave has become a spectator and is trying to hold onto for as long as possible. Because he's been involved in a number of separations (his parents, his wife, Kurt), I think this song is about the common characteristics of a disolving relationship rather than an isolated incident so I can see why so many people have posted about their take on the lyrics.
As so many people have stated above, this is about the last stages of a relationship in which Dave has become a spectator and is trying to hold onto for as long as possible. Because he's been involved in a number of separations (his parents, his wife, Kurt), I think this song is about the common characteristics of a disolving relationship rather than an isolated incident so I can see why so many people have posted about their take on the lyrics.