I read on https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858626308/ that the tiger could be a heroin needle with black measurement lines on the outside being the stripes.
The song is from 1974 and Julius Evola released Cavalcare La Tigre ("Ride the Tiger") in 1961, so I wondered if that was the inspiration. Both could fit, but I'm curious if someone knows more definitely.
