Tiger Balm

Emmett Kai's 'Tiger Balm' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of vulnerability and fleeting moments of safety. The song's repetitive structure and ethereal lyrics create a sense of cyclical introspection, where the narrator finds solace only in the early hours of the morning. The phrase 'I feel safe, in the morning' suggests a temporary reprieve from the anxieties and uncertainties that plague the night. This fleeting sense of security is underscored by the repetition of the line, emphasizing its transient nature.

The lyrics 'You have to ask me again, what you did last night, what you've done, to catch my eyes' hint at a relationship dynamic filled with ambiguity and perhaps regret. The need to 'ask again' implies a lack of clarity or understanding, suggesting that the events of the previous night are shrouded in mystery or confusion. This could symbolize the complexities of human connections, where actions and intentions are often misinterpreted or forgotten in the haze of night.

The line 'I'll never breathe again, at least till the morning light' is particularly poignant, evoking a sense of suffocation or emotional paralysis that lifts with the dawn. This metaphorical 'breathing' could represent the narrator's ability to process emotions or confront reality, which becomes possible only with the arrival of daylight. The song's title, 'Tiger Balm,' a traditional remedy known for its soothing properties, adds another layer of meaning, suggesting that the morning light acts as a balm for the narrator's troubled mind.

Emmett Kai's musical style, characterized by dreamy soundscapes and introspective lyrics, complements the themes of 'Tiger Balm' perfectly. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own moments of vulnerability and the transient nature of comfort, making it a deeply resonant piece of art.