Tiger (ABBA song)

"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
Released	October 11, 1976 (1976-10-11)
Genre	Rock[1] pop[2]
Length	2:55
Label	Polar
Songwriter(s)	Björn Ulvaeus Benny Andersson
Producer(s)	Björn Ulvaeus Benny Andersson
Audio
"Tiger" on YouTube

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".^[3] 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.^[4][5]

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

Performance

In the 1977 concert tours, the song was preceded by "the sound of helicopters booming over the speakers".^[1] ABBA also performed the song in the film ABBA: The Movie.^[6]

Music video

The music video for "Tiger" features all four members of ABBA dressed in denim clothing riding in a Chevy at nighttime.^[7] 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".^[1] The Guardian described the song as "gripping".^[8]