Tiger
Gregory Isaacs & Tiger Lyrics

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The calm before the storm
Everything wrong
The way it's supposed to be
A flash of light breaks bones
Somebody cried
The mirror lies
You've had some time to think
Of all the things

You said to her
Look inside yourself and see
The answer is there
But you can't get to it through me
I swear I tried to save your soul
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
Lost time in confrontation
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
I swear I tried to save your soul
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
Lost time in confrontation
The calm before the storm
The calm before the storm
I swear I tried to save your soul
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
Lost time in confrontation
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
I swear I tried to save your soul
I bet you didn't believe, I bet you didn't believe
Lost time in confrontation

The calm before the storm
The calm before the storm

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Tiger" by Gregory Isaacs & Tiger depict a situation filled with tension and conflict. The phrase "The calm before the storm" sets the scene, suggesting that there has been an unsettling calmness leading up to an impending outburst or confrontation. The line "Everything wrong, the way it's supposed to be" implies a sense of resignation or acceptance that things have gone awry, perhaps indicating a dysfunctional or toxic relationship dynamic.

The lyrics continue with "A flash of light breaks bones, somebody cried, the mirror lies." This imagery suggests a violent and emotionally charged situation, where someone has been harmed physically, leading to pain and tears. The mention of the mirror lying symbolizes a distorted reflection of reality, further emphasizing the disconnection between truth and perception in this situation.

The following lines express a sense of frustration and futility in trying to communicate and connect with the other person. The singer reflects on the words they have spoken and the introspection that has taken place, urging the other person to look inward for answers. However, there is a recognition that they cannot bridge the gap or reach the other person in a meaningful way. This frustration is repeated throughout the song, with the singer expressing their attempts to save the other person's soul falling on deaf ears.

Overall, "Tiger" presents a narrative of a tumultuous relationship, characterized by conflict, pain, and an inability to truly understand or save the other person.

Line by Line Meaning

The calm before the storm
A period of tranquility shortly before a disastrous event

Everything wrong
A state where everything is going awry

The way it's supposed to be
The current situation aligning with expectations

A flash of light breaks bones
A sudden revelation that can cause immense impact

Somebody cried
An individual expressed their emotional pain

The mirror lies
Reflections can deceive, distorting the truth

You've had some time to think
A period of reflection and contemplation has been given

Of all the things
Regarding various circumstances or actions

You said to her
Words spoken to a specific female individual

Look inside yourself and see
Deeply introspect to discover the truth

The answer is there
The solution or understanding lies within

But you can't get to it through me
I am not the medium for accessing that answer

I swear I tried to save your soul
I genuinely attempted to preserve your spiritual essence