Lyric discussion by theWmann 

Cover art for By and Down lyrics by A Perfect Circle

I think we need to look harder at the choice of the word allocution. It has a legal meaning as well.

"Allocution: The formal inquiry by a judge of an accused person, convicted of a crime, as to whether the person has any legal cause to show why judgment should not be pronounced against him or her or as to whether the person has anything to say to the court before being sentenced."

I think this choice of words is important to the meaning of the song. To me it sounds like the writer is confronting the reality of a person he idolized. He has confronted the illusions he created about this person and gotten to the truth of the matter. Now with the truth in hand he is ready to pass judgement on said person and this song is the judgement (sentence) he passes. The sentence is essentially a goodbye, see you by and down the river so to speak (the river being the constant passage of time). But like most folks he ends up trying to cling to the past and the memory of how he pictured that beloved person but it's so hard to do so knowing the truth about this person.

We can apply this idea to many different areas of life. Some might think it's about a relationship, some may think its about a job, or drugs, or self-identity. But in the end he song is just a metaphor. It's about finding truth and reconciling that truth with the illusions we have created for ourselves.

My Interpretation

I agree with your interpretation completely.

I cannot agree more. This is a very simple but quick view of this expression. Very nicely said.

"Allocution" is actually supposed to be "elocution," I believe. "Elocution," in this context, could be empty words spoken by a person.