"Tiger" is a song by the Swedish pop band ABBA. The song was released on the 1976 album Arrival.

"Tiger"
Song by ABBA
from the album Arrival
ReleasedOctober 11, 1976 (1976-10-11)
GenrePop rock
Length2:55
LabelPolar
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Björn Ulvaeus
  • Benny Andersson
Audio
"Tiger" on YouTube

History

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"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]

The vocals for the song were sung by Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

Performance

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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

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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

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Bright lights, dark shadows: the real story of Abba described the song as "rocky".[4] The Guardian described the song as "gripping".[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Tiger Lyrics". genius.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  2. ^ "The Dark, Creepy side of ABBA". metafilter.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  3. ^ "ABBA - Tiger". songmeanings.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b Palm, Carl Magnus (2001-11-01). Bright lights, dark shadows: The real story of Abba. Omnibus. ISBN 9780711983892. tiger abba arrival.
  5. ^ "ABBA - TIGER (from "The Movie", Australia 1977) 1080p & High quality audio". youtube.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  6. ^ "ABBA - Tiger". youtube.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  7. ^ Alexis Petridis. "CD: Abba, The Complete Studio Recordings | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 2013-10-03.