The lyrics of Ernest Tubb's song "Don't Back A Man Up In A Corner" speak about a troubled relationship between two individuals. The narrator describes how the woman in the relationship was never satisfied with him and continuously tried to change or rebuild him. Despite the narrator's warnings, the woman persists in pushing him into a corner, figuratively speaking. The song expresses the notion that there is a limit to what a person can endure before they reach a breaking point. The ties of love can only stretch so far before they snap. The narrator warns that when pushed too far, a man will come out swinging, indicating a strong reaction to being cornered or pushed against his will. The lyrics suggest that when someone continuously challenges a person's pride and invades their personal space, they may unleash the "tiger" within themselves. The narrator asserts that it feels liberating to escape such a situation and leave the person responsible for backing them into a corner behind. Overall, the song conveys the message that it is important to respect and give space to others, as everyone has their limits. Pushing someone too far or trying to change them against their will can have negative consequences. It serves as a cautionary tale against manipulating or cornering someone in a relationship.
