Via Audio was formed in 2003 in between classes at the infamous Berklee College of Music in Boston. After releasing a self-titled EP on the small independent Kill Normal Records in 2004, the band first garnered attention when Death Cab for Cutie’s guitarist Chris Walla dubbed them his “new favorite band,” in his column for Under the Radar Magazine.
They soon after caught the attention of Spoon drummer Jim Eno, who would become their longtime producer, collaborator and comrade. With Eno’s help behind the board, Via Audio released their first full-length, Say Something, in 2007 on California-based indie label Sidecho Records. Pitchfork Media described Say Something as having “such a beautiful gloss over everything that it sticks, hurts, and feels delicious" and the album received accolades from Spin, Nylon, Under the Radar, Alternative Press, theTripwire, and Stereogum, among others. The band has since toured the U.S. and Japan alongside the likes of Spoon, White Rabbits, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Ha Ha Tonka, and Modern Skirts, making appearances at the South By Southwest, Monolith, and CMJ festivals.
Shutting themselves up again in Eno’s Austin, Texas home studio in 2009, the group tackled their latest songbook- the lo-fi electronics of “Digital,” the soul-infused funk of “Goldrush,” the ethereal surf-lament of “Wanted,” the glittery R&B pop of “Babies”- as Eno carefully and artfully crafted different sonic palettes for each unique song on Animalore. The result is an album that plays like a pop-up book for adults, bursting with vivid colors and secret corridors at the turn of every page.
Tigers
Via Audio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you'd better give 'em all your lunch
They left me with a bit of stump
'cause I didn't know
If you look 'em 'tween the eyes
they might leave you only one to cry from
Or they might leave you there for the flies
You can say whatever you feel
as long as you know you won't become a meal
So, shake their paws
seal all the deals
if they got an iron grip
then make yours steel...
So it can feel you're for real
There's lions waiting in the grass
you'd better put on all your masks
They'll catch you if you don't run fast
So save your ass
You can say whatever you feel
as long as you know you won't become a meal
So, shake their paws
seal all the deals
if they've got an iron grip
then make yours steel...
So it can feel you're for real
The song "Tigers" by Via Audio seems to be a cautionary tale about survival in a dangerous world full of predators. The lyrics suggest that there are tigers and lions lurking in the brush and grass, waiting for their next meal. They urge the listener to be careful and not to get too comfortable, lest they fall prey to these cunning creatures. The line "you'd better give 'em all your lunch" implies that these creatures are not to be taken lightly, and that they will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Despite the danger, the song also suggests that there is a way to interact with these predators. The line "you can say whatever you feel / as long as you know you won't become a meal" suggests that there is a way to communicate with them that will keep you safe. The lyrics even suggest that you should "shake their paws / seal all the deals" and that if they have an iron grip, you should make your own steel, so that you appear to be just as tough and intimidating as they are.
Overall, the song "Tigers" seems to be a commentary on the dangers of the world and the importance of being vigilant and savvy in order to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
There's tigers waiting in the brush
Be prepared for threats that might be lurking around you.
you'd better give 'em all your lunch
If threatened, it is better to give up your possessions than to risk losing your life.
They left me with a bit of stump
I suffered the consequences of my lack of knowledge or preparation.
'cause I didn't know
I was unaware or uninformed about the potential danger.
If you look 'em 'tween the eyes
To confront fear, one must face it head-on and directly.
they might leave you only one to cry from
Conquering fear may result in experiencing intense emotions afterward.
Or they might leave you there for the flies
Failure to tackle fear may lead to a worse outcome than expected.
So not in the eyes
One must be strategic when facing fear; avoid showing weakness or fear.
You can say whatever you feel
Freedom of expression is important and should be upheld.
as long as you know you won't become a meal
However, there are some instances where speaking up can lead to harm or danger.
So, shake their paws
When dealing with others, be friendly and trustworthy.
seal all the deals
Be sure to finalize agreements and promises made between parties.
if they got an iron grip
Some individuals may be firm or unyielding in their beliefs, which may make it difficult to negotiate or reason with them.
then make yours steel...
When confronted with unyielding people, one must be persistent and unshakable in their stance.
So it can feel you're for real
By standing firm and unshakable, others will see you as genuine, honest, and determined in your convictions.
There's lions waiting in the grass
Be aware of hidden dangers or risks in your surroundings.
you'd better put on all your masks
In certain situations, it is necessary to hide your true self or intentions to avoid unwanted attention or danger.
They'll catch you if you don't run fast
If you are unprepared or unable to face danger directly, running away may be the only option.
So save your ass
Ultimately, self-preservation is the highest priority when faced with danger.
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jessica Martins
on Setup
These are the lyrics to “Setup”, not Mouth Shut - also, the last line is actually “Well, what about me?” (I am the songwriter!)