Franks grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and younger sister Christine who is the mother of Connor Sullivan (The lead singer of The Royal Nonesuch). Although no one in his family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer. At age 14 Franks bought his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo for $29.95 with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received.
At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA Michael discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis. He never studied music in college or later, but earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in comparative literature in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. He had a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before returning to teach part-time at UCLA.
During this time Franks started writing songs, starting with the antiwar musical Anthems in E-flat starring Mark Hamill. He also composed music for the films Count Your Bullets, Cockfighter, and Zandy's Bride, starring Liv Ullmann and Gene Hackman. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded three of his songs, including "White Boy Lost in the Blues" on their album Sonny & Brownie. Franks played guitar, banjo and mandolin on the album and joined them in touring. In 1973, he recorded an eponymous album, later reissued as Previously Unavailable, which included the minor hit "Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll".
In 1975 Franks released his second album The Art of Tea, beginning a long relationship with Warner Brothers Music. The Art of Tea featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders and included the hit song "Popsicle Toes". His third album, Sleeping Gypsy (1977), which includes the song "The Lady Wants to Know", was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando gave Franks a cabasa, which became a signature instrument for him to play on stage when he was not playing guitar. Burchfield Nines (1978), which includes the song "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty", reflects his move to New York City and features more of an East Coast sound. Since then, Franks has recorded more than 15 albums.
His best known works include "When I Give My Love to You", "Popsicle Toes", "Monkey See, Monkey Do", "Tiger in the Rain", "Rainy Night in Tokyo", and "Tell Me All About It". His biggest hit came in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" from the album Passionfruit. Radio hits include "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from 1985's Skin Dive, and "Island Life" from 1987s The Camera Never Lies.
Tiger in the Rain
Michael Franks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's the lord of the jungle
Everyone grins while he gripes
Usually he's found just
Lounging around in his stripes
His tiger lady's
A superfine feline
A sweet purring pussycat
Proud of her pussycat curves
He's a tiger in the rain
It's the thunder and lightnin'
He can't explain
A tiger in the rain
Who's frightened
Caught in the storm he came
Searching for shelter
Right up to me and my spouse
Both stroked his chin and
Invited him into the house
He's a tiger in the rain
It's the thunder and lightnin'
He can't explain
A tiger in the rain
Who's frightened
He's a tiger in the rain
It's the thunder and lightnin'
He can't explain
A tiger in the rain
Who's frightened
The song "Tiger in the Rain" by Michael Franks tells the story of a powerful and confident tiger who is usually seen lounging around in his stripes. He has a "tiger lady," the perfect match for him, who is proud of her curves and purrs sweetly for her king. However, everything changes when a storm hits and the tiger becomes frightened. He seeks shelter and ends up at the home of the singer and their spouse where they comfort him by stroking his chin and inviting him inside.
The lyrics are symbolic of the idea that even the mightiest and most powerful can experience fear and vulnerability. The tiger, who is typically viewed as a fearless and powerful predator, is suddenly transformed by the storm into a frightened and helpless creature. The singer and their spouse represent the kindness and compassion that can be shown to those in need, no matter how strong they may appear on the outside. Overall, the song is a reminder to not judge others solely based on their exterior or reputation, as everyone has the potential to be vulnerable at some point in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Most of the time
In general, he appears as a dominating figure.
He's the lord of the jungle
He holds himself above others through his self-perception of power.
Everyone grins while he gripes
People are put off by his complaining despite their admiration of him.
Usually he's found just
Normally he seems relaxed and unchallenged.
Lounging around in his stripes
He tends to stay in his comfort zone and does not see the need to change.
His tiger lady's
His partner is similar in nature to him.
A superfine feline
She is an attractive and capable individual.
Just what his highness deserves
She fulfills his expectation of superiority and entitlement.
A sweet purring pussycat
She is submissive and pleasing to him.
Proud of her pussycat curves
She is confident in her physical appearance and uses it to her advantage in their relationship.
He's a tiger in the rain
The sudden challenge has shaken his confidence.
It's the thunder and lightnin'
The storm represents a sudden and unexpected change in his life.
He can't explain
He is struggling to make sense of the situation.
Who's frightened
He is feeling vulnerable and endangered.
Caught in the storm he came
The storm compelled him to seek refuge and assistance.
Searching for shelter
He is trying to escape the danger.
Right up to me and my spouse
He approached a safe and welcoming place.
Both stroked his chin and
He received kindness and comfort from others.
Invited him into the house
He was invited into a place of protection and refuge.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MICHAEL P. FRANKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind