The song S.O.S. by Jerry Cantrell is about feeling disconnected from someone who is supposed to be close, like a brother. The lyrics speak of not knowing what to say and creating downtime to recklessly self-destruct. The narrator decides to sever ties and walk away, even though they acknowledge the other person as a brother. Both the narrator's beard and face are growing longer, symbolizing a lack of care for personal appearance. The stench of decay growing stronger suggests a deterioration of mental and emotional well-being. Reality and dream intermingle, which can be interpreted as the narrator struggling to distinguish between what is real and what is not. "Contently swallow shit on a shingle" is a phrase that refers to accepting a bad situation or circumstance without complaint. Overall, the song S.O.S. is a dark and introspective look at a strained relationship, with hints at feelings of hopelessness and despair.
