Not 100% sure who it's about could be anyone the "singer/writer" admires or admired. What I can say is that the "singer/writer" wants the subject of the song to promise him that the subject won't compromise the amazing attributes by which the "singer/writer" came to love and admire in the subject from the beginning. It is unclear if there remains an active relationship between the subject and the "singer/writer". Potential subjects of the song: Axle Rose, Kim Thayil, an ex-lover, a current lover, dear friend, former friend in trouble.