"Tiger" is a song by the Swedish pop band ABBA. The song was released on the 1976 album Arrival.
History
"Tiger" 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".[1] 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.[2][3]
In the 1977 concert tours, the song was preceded by "the sound of helicopters booming over the speakers".[4] ABBA also performed the song in the film ABBA: The Movie.[5]
Music video
The music video for "Tiger" features all four members of ABBA dressed in denim clothing riding in a Chevy at nighttime.[6] It was aired on the "ABBA-Dabba-Dooo!" TV special.
Critical reception
Bright lights, dark shadows: the real story of Abba described the song as "rocky".[4]The Guardian described the song as "gripping".[7]