"Victim Of Life's Circumstances" is a song by Vince Gill. The lyrics tell the story of a man who had plans to leave for Memphis but got caught up in a series of events that led him to sleep in a jail cell in Tarren County. The protagonist admits that he started the night with good intentions but ended up drinking and getting into trouble. The song portrays the protagonist as being a victim of his own circumstances. He was raised in a environment surrounded by bar rooms and Friday night dances, which ultimately influenced his choices and actions. He sings old country songs, but often finds himself in situations where he doesn't belong. In the chorus, the protagonist acknowledges that he is a victim of the unpredictable nature of life. He feels trapped by the circumstances that have shaped him, and despite his intentions to do better, he constantly finds himself in trouble. When he asks the jailor what he is charged with, there is insinuation that he may have been involved in a violent altercation, possibly using a knife during the incident. However, due to his intoxicated state, he has no memory of the events. Overall, "Victim Of Life's Circumstances" is a reflection on the struggles and consequences that come with not being able to escape the patterns and influences of one's upbringing, leading to a life full of unexpected and unfortunate circumstances.
