The speaker, addressing Billy, expresses a profound sense of helplessness regarding his struggles and pain. They acknowledge that the act of trying to help someone inherently puts oneself at risk, emphasizing that once a person tries to assist, they expose themselves to vulnerability. There's a clear understanding that Billy's plight, including his stutter, scars, and difficult relationship with authority, is beyond their capability to remedy.

This realization is met with a sense of resignation, as the speaker lists all the things they cannot change for Billy, including the humiliation he faces from a nurse. The message underscores that support often is limited and can be fraught with limitations, even if one wishes to help. It highlights the complexity of human relationships and the feelings of inadequacy that can arise when trying to comfort someone in deep distress.