The song is about the modern version of Icarus, possibly a personal allegory for Neal's career at the time. The protagonist ("the boy") is someone who has higher aspirations in his field, (music, in Neal's case) but he of course will "never have commercial success", because he is striving for a goal that is deeper and more important (i.e. deep and meaningful music, in contrast with superficial pop music).
The protagonist ultimately burns out in his career and begins to indulge in self-destructive tendencies (i.e. drinking) because his goal is unattainable. From the outside, people begin to resent him for his ideology, but still attempt to help him find a workable path forward ("I've worked with him closely...Before it's too late"). Ultimately, the protagonist is too headstrong, and spirals out into complete and utter nihilism (The Great Nothing).
The song is about the modern version of Icarus, possibly a personal allegory for Neal's career at the time. The protagonist ("the boy") is someone who has higher aspirations in his field, (music, in Neal's case) but he of course will "never have commercial success", because he is striving for a goal that is deeper and more important (i.e. deep and meaningful music, in contrast with superficial pop music).
The protagonist ultimately burns out in his career and begins to indulge in self-destructive tendencies (i.e. drinking) because his goal is unattainable. From the outside, people begin to resent him for his ideology, but still attempt to help him find a workable path forward ("I've worked with him closely...Before it's too late"). Ultimately, the protagonist is too headstrong, and spirals out into complete and utter nihilism (The Great Nothing).