I don't think it's tongue-in-cheek, though I see how you could interpret it that way. I agree with suclid003's first interpretation. One person singing to a friend who wants to kill him/herself or already has. There are so many great lines in this song. The desperate things you made me do... Such an interesting and evocative choice of adjective. Plus, the melody is so beautiful, as are all of his melodies. He's as great a songwriter as John or Paul.
I don't think it's tongue-in-cheek, though I see how you could interpret it that way. I agree with suclid003's first interpretation. One person singing to a friend who wants to kill him/herself or already has. There are so many great lines in this song. The desperate things you made me do... Such an interesting and evocative choice of adjective. Plus, the melody is so beautiful, as are all of his melodies. He's as great a songwriter as John or Paul.