I think the song is something to do with Chris' feeling he has more purpose to his life. Other people have commented that out of exile is a more positive sounding album than soundgarden and the previous audioslave album maybe because of this new found purpose. The second verse in particular seems to be referring to touring the world with a "bad taste in his mouth". He went around the world not being able to get rid of it and has now learned that it is a "sickness" that he needs to get rid of, but cannot do it in one go. Therefore this previous outlook needs to be drowned slowly.
Thats what I get anyway
I think the song is something to do with Chris' feeling he has more purpose to his life. Other people have commented that out of exile is a more positive sounding album than soundgarden and the previous audioslave album maybe because of this new found purpose. The second verse in particular seems to be referring to touring the world with a "bad taste in his mouth". He went around the world not being able to get rid of it and has now learned that it is a "sickness" that he needs to get rid of, but cannot do it in one go. Therefore this previous outlook needs to be drowned slowly. Thats what I get anyway