I always interpreted this song as being about two lovers or friends. One of them is away a lot, seeking new experiences ("all the travels I made, all the triumphs in my book"). Thus, the other person falls into despair and starts drinking. The first person realises this, feels guilty, and begs him/her to stop drinking because there are other, better, ways to survive loneliness.
The second stanza of the 2nd verse confuses me though, "Now if I was to envy you" etc....
I always interpreted this song as being about two lovers or friends. One of them is away a lot, seeking new experiences ("all the travels I made, all the triumphs in my book"). Thus, the other person falls into despair and starts drinking. The first person realises this, feels guilty, and begs him/her to stop drinking because there are other, better, ways to survive loneliness.
The second stanza of the 2nd verse confuses me though, "Now if I was to envy you" etc....