Meaning of "25 to Life" by The Stray Birds

"25 to Life" by The Stray Birds delves into the harsh reality of a life of crime and its consequences. The narrator starts off as a naive teenager looking for a job but gets entangled with the wrong crowd who teach him to steal. Despite his initial excitement over the criminal activities, the narrator's actions lead to a fateful moment where he shoots and kills a man during a robbery. The narrative captures the abruptness and coldness of violence, as well as the profound regret and realization of the gravity of his actions. The lyrics emphasize that there is no romanticized version of a life sentence in prison, highlighting the loneliness and despair that comes with a lost future and opportunities. Ultimately, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive path of crime and the irreversible consequences that stem from impulsive decisions.