Layne always said, whatever you think the song is about, that's what it's about. That being said, it's almost certainly about Layne and Jerry's relationship. Go listen to Jerry's solo album Boggy Depot. It's almost like a direct response to Above. Jerry says things like born traitor, and cut you in, part time friend. At the time Above was written, AIC had hoped Layne would go straight back to the band. Instead Layne felt that being with clean people, who'd just gotten outta rehab also, would be healthier. Jerry never forgave Layne for that. BTW Cantrell was in the serious grip of meth addiction himself. On Degradation, Cantrell completely unloaded on Layne. Layne died when Jerry toured it.
Layne always said, whatever you think the song is about, that's what it's about. That being said, it's almost certainly about Layne and Jerry's relationship. Go listen to Jerry's solo album Boggy Depot. It's almost like a direct response to Above. Jerry says things like born traitor, and cut you in, part time friend. At the time Above was written, AIC had hoped Layne would go straight back to the band. Instead Layne felt that being with clean people, who'd just gotten outta rehab also, would be healthier. Jerry never forgave Layne for that. BTW Cantrell was in the serious grip of meth addiction himself. On Degradation, Cantrell completely unloaded on Layne. Layne died when Jerry toured it.