To build on what the previous poster said, I read a great interpretation of this song somewhere that suggested it is actually a sort of parable about the fall from the Garden of Eden and original sin (hence the title, "applebite"). "Grow and decay, grow and decay, it's only forever" refers to the fact that humanity must now suffer from old age, disease, and death. "Loosely or tightly, everything fits, even the wrists on your arm" suggests people being bound in chains, further reinforcing our bondage to mortality. Remember, Chris Cornell was raised in Catholic schools.
To build on what the previous poster said, I read a great interpretation of this song somewhere that suggested it is actually a sort of parable about the fall from the Garden of Eden and original sin (hence the title, "applebite"). "Grow and decay, grow and decay, it's only forever" refers to the fact that humanity must now suffer from old age, disease, and death. "Loosely or tightly, everything fits, even the wrists on your arm" suggests people being bound in chains, further reinforcing our bondage to mortality. Remember, Chris Cornell was raised in Catholic schools.
This is my favorite Soundgarden song.