Meaning of "Tragic Life" by The Infamous Stringdusters

The lyrics of "Tragic Life" paint a picture of a man caught in a cycle of violence and regret. The protagonist is faced with a moral dilemma when he finds a stranger with his wife, leading him to commit a crime of passion. His guilt intensifies as he realizes that the man he shot was a law enforcement officer, symbolized by the silver star on his chest. The imagery of blood running colder and feeling the weight of his impending death suggests his internal struggle with the consequences of his actions. The song explores themes of betrayal, violence, and the inescapability of one's past deeds, ultimately conveying a sense of tragic inevitability in the man's life.