The song is written from the perspective of a threatening entity warning the listener of the dangers of the city: "People who fear me never come near me, I am the tiger". The exact meaning behind "Tiger" is debated, although most speculators agree "tiger" is used as a metaphor for dangerous aspects of city life. Some hypothesize the tiger represents a stalker or serial killer, while others believe the tiger symbolizes the harmful nature of illicit drugs. The vocals for the song were sung by Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
In the 1977 concert tours, the song was preceded by "the sound of helicopters booming over the speakers". ABBA also performed the song in the film ABBA: The Movie.
At the ABBA tribute band concert Live Music of Abba by the Arrival from Sweden, "Tiger" was the show opener.
The music video for "Tiger" features all four members of ABBA dressed in denim clothing riding in a Chevy at nighttime. It was aired on the "ABBA-Dabba-Dooo!" TV special.
Bright lights, dark shadows: the real story of Abba described the song as "rocky". The Guardian described the song as "gripping".
Tiger
ABBA Lyrics
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Never walk alone after midnight
If you don't believe me, you'd better beware
Of me
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger
People who fear me never go near me
The city is a nightmare, a horrible dream
Some of us will dream it forever
Look around the corner and try not to scream
It's me
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger
People who fear me never go near me
I am the tiger
Yellow eyes are glowing like the neon lights
Yellow eyes, the spotlights of the city lights
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger
People who fear me never go near me
I am the tiger
The city is a prison, you'll never escape
You're forever trapped in the alleys
Look into the shadows, and you'll see the shape
Of me
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger
People who fear me never go near me
I am the tiger
Yellow eyes were glowing like the neon lights
Yellow eyes, the spotlights of the city lights
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger
People who fear me never go near me
I am the tiger
And if I meet you, what if I eat you?
I am the tiger
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the tiger, tiger, tiger
The song "Tiger" by ABBA paints a vivid picture of the dangers and uncertainty of urban life. The lyrics describe the city as a jungle, a nightmare, and a prison, warning the listener to be wary of walking alone after midnight. The repeated line "I am the tiger" reinforces the sense of danger, as the tiger is a symbol of strength and ferocity. The singer suggests that the tiger is always behind you, always watching, and always ready to pounce.
The chorus, "People who fear me never go near me," suggests that the tiger is not a literal animal, but perhaps a metaphor for the dangers and pitfalls of city life. The yellow eyes mentioned in the bridge of the song are like the spotlights of the city, a reminder that danger can be lurking around any corner.
Overall, "Tiger" is a cautionary tale that encourages the listener to be careful and aware of their surroundings. The city may be full of excitement and opportunity, but it is also full of danger and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
The city is a jungle, you'd better take care
The city is a wild and dangerous place, so you need to be careful.
Never walk alone after midnight
It's not safe to be alone in the city after dark.
If you don't believe me, you'd better beware
If you don't trust my warning, you'll regret it.
Of me
Because I am the danger lurking in the shadows.
I am behind you, I'll always find you
I am the predator stalking my prey, able to catch them at any moment.
I am the tiger
I am an unstoppable force, with strength and power like a tiger.
People who fear me never go near me
My presence inspires fear and keeps people away from me.
The city is a nightmare, a horrible dream
The city is a nightmarish place that can haunt you forever.
Some of us will dream it forever
The trauma of the city's dangers can linger and haunt people for a long time.
Look around the corner and try not to scream
Be prepared for what's around every turn, but don't give in to your fear.
Yellow eyes are glowing like the neon lights
My eyes, like a tiger's, are intense and focused in the bright lights of the city.
Yellow eyes, the spotlights of the city lights
My eyes seem to shine like the bright city lights that illuminate everything.
The city is a prison, you'll never escape
The city can feel suffocating and inescapable once it has its hold on you.
You're forever trapped in the alleys
The dark and dirty alleys of the city can be a trap that you can never escape from easily.
Look into the shadows, and you'll see the shape
I am hiding in the shadowy corners of the city, but you can always feel my presence looming.
And if I meet you, what if I eat you?
If I catch you, I will overpower and consume you.
I am the tiger, tiger, tiger
I am the powerful and unstoppable predator, full of strength and ferocity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind