Le Tigre
Paris Texas Lyrics
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Danger danger it's a lie you haven't hurt anyone yet
All of the times we live life like we're in a cage
Never believe in someone else
You can change the day
Like a tiger I know you have skin so soft I confess
Pitter, patter
Always buy a pet you love to caress
And a sunken pool in the back yard
Well it doesn't matter much to me
It makes no sense to me if you want a tiger
It makes no sense to me if you want to change
The lyrics to Paris Texas's song Le Tigre are a clever commentary on people's desire to possess and control wild and dangerous things, whether it be a literal tiger or the unpredictable whims of life. The metaphor of the tiger represents the wild and untamed aspect of ourselves that we often try to suppress in favor of a more manageable and safe existence. However, the singer acknowledges that these impulses cannot be fully repressed, noting that "like a tiger I know you have claws too big for a pet." The line "danger danger it's a lie you haven't hurt anyone yet" suggests that just because we haven't acted on our more dangerous impulses doesn't mean that they aren't a threat.
The second verse speaks to the idea of living in a cage, both literally and metaphorically. The singer acknowledges the ways in which society controls and confines us, but also offers the possibility of breaking free from these constraints. "Never believe in someone else / you can change the day" implies that while we may not be able to control the circumstances of our lives, we can control our reactions to them and in doing so find freedom.
Overall, the lyrics of "Le Tigre" offer a nuanced commentary on the human condition and our desire for control and freedom. The metaphor of the tiger is used effectively to convey both the primal and dangerous aspects of ourselves as well as our desire for something wild and untamed.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a tiger I know you have claws too big for a pet
I know you're strong and powerful like a tiger, but not meant to be tamed as a pet.
Danger danger it's a lie you haven't hurt anyone yet
You may seem dangerous, but you haven't caused harm to anyone yet.
All of the times we live life like we're in a cage
We often feel trapped and confined in our lives.
Never believe in someone else
Don't put your trust in others blindly.
You can change the day
You have the power to change your circumstances and make a difference.
Like a tiger I know you have skin so soft I confess
Despite your strength and wild nature, you also have a softer side.
Pitter, patter
The sound of light footsteps or rain.
Always buy a pet you love to caress
Choose to care for something you genuinely like and feel affection for.
So you've got yourself a big old car
You may have material possessions like a fancy car.
And a sunken pool in the back yard
You may also have a luxurious feature like a sunken pool in your backyard.
Well it doesn't matter much to me
I don't really care about your wealth and assets.
It makes no sense to me if you want a tiger
I don't understand why someone would want to own a wild animal like a tiger.
It makes no sense to me if you want to change
I don't see the point in wanting to change oneself or one's circumstances, as it goes against natural order.
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.