Song meaning of 25 to life by The Stray Birds

The song "25 to life" by The Stray Birds delves into the consequences of one's actions and the regret that can come with it. The lyrics paint a story of a young individual who leaves home at 17, searching for employment. However, they encounter a group of friends who lead them astray, teaching them how to rob. This decision ultimately lands them in prison.

The lyrics express the feeling of remorse and loss of freedom that comes with a 25-year jail sentence. The protagonist reflects on the lack of romance or hope in their situation, realizing that they may spend their entire life behind bars. The line, "Still a kid, I'll probably die in my cell" highlights the sense of despair and the seemingly endless nature of their sentence.

The song evokes a sense of loneliness and isolation, as the protagonist laments the absence of a loved one to lean on during this difficult time. They acknowledge that their actions were entirely their own doing, symbolized by the line, "I did it all, did it all to myself."

Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of making bad choices and falling into the wrong crowd. It emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, as they can shape the course of one's life indefinitely.