Rod Stewart - Rhythm of My Heart Lyrics Meaning

It does appear to be about the uncertainty and unnecessary loss of life. Particularly that of a soldier.

This soldier is holding onto his memories of love and the hope of a heaven where love will be reunited and last forever.

The soldier also reflects on a place far away ("100 steel towns away") where the only thing being shot is a deer. As he is dying, he is energized by the memories of a woman, and uses this vision to try and escape death - the "slot machine"

in the end, he accepts his death while holding onto his love.