"Welcome to La Tigre" is a song by Eddy Grant that tells a story about a place called La Tigre, where people engage in double entendre and have a unique way of communicating. The song's lyrics depict various characters and their experiences in La Tigre. The protagonist of the song, Giovanni, is described as someone who is fixed in a minute and not very smart. Tina, another character, starts fooling around with Giovanni despite race not being a factor in their relationship. However, when the police arrive, Giovanni is associated with the nickname "La Tigre." The lyrics mention that if Giovanni says certain commands, such as "halt" or "against the wall," people are supposed to respond with "La Tigre." This implies that "La Tigre" is some sort of code or signal used within the community of La Tigre. The song also alludes to Tina's name being "plastered on the wall," potentially suggesting that she has gained some sort of notoriety or attention in La Tigre. The police, represented by the phrase "police john-crow," seem to be getting involved, drawing lines on the ground and encouraging people to join in the action. Despite the potential tensions and issues in La Tigre, the lyrics emphasize the concept of moving forward and enjoying oneself. Giovanni encourages Tina to go with the flow, saying, "This ain't no time to stall." They seem to embrace the excitement of the moment, dancing and participating in the energetic atmosphere. Overall, the song portrays La Tigre as a place where people engage in playful and clever communication through double entendre. The lyrics convey a sense of community and a vibrant nightlife scene. The mention of "changing the world" at the end suggests that La Tigre holds the potential to have an impact beyond just its own boundaries.
