It seems to me like the song is either about
some kind of entertainer who was once famous and loved, but then slowly begins to deal with criticism and a downfall of fame (there's a vulture perching right offscreen)
and the next best thing comes along a "substitution"
and its difficult for that person because they cant stop it or doing anything about it
or someone struggling in life and dealing with issues and chaos
It seems to me like the song is either about some kind of entertainer who was once famous and loved, but then slowly begins to deal with criticism and a downfall of fame (there's a vulture perching right offscreen) and the next best thing comes along a "substitution" and its difficult for that person because they cant stop it or doing anything about it or someone struggling in life and dealing with issues and chaos