The song is speculated to be about [[NIN]]'s old label, [[TVT]]. "Leaving Hope" was NIN's name under TVT.[http://www.google.ca/search?q=%22leaving+hope+tvt]
It could mean:
* Due to [[the persistence of loss]], I am leaving hope, as in, departing from hope towards [[ripe|decay]]
* You are leaving hope; there is no more hope for you, [[starfucker]]
* This is my leaving hope for you, my final [[wish]] to see you ascend before i myself fade away