Tiger La Flor returns with Motel 6, a bittersweet single that finds her processing the aftermath of a failed relationship through the lens of a cross-state road trip.
This latest offering showcases an artist who has found her sonic identity somewhere between the grunge-soaked Pacific Northwest of her youth and the sun-drenched highways of California.
The track opens with “slept at a Motel 6 in San Rafael / a dozen hours south of wishing you well”, immediately establishing both geographical displacement and emotional distance.
Drawing from her Pacific Northwest roots (her mother’s family hails from Walla Walla, Washington) Tiger La Flor crafts a narrative that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
The production combines early Fleetwood Mac influences with Eagles-inspired elements, whilst maintaining Tiger’s distinctive indie-country aesthetic.
Producer Fustin, who’s worked with Priscilla Block and Nick Hall, creates a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The sliding guitars complement Tiger’s vocal delivery perfectly, whilst the bass guitar takes up considerable space with its raw but warm sound.
The arrangement builds thoughtfully, with an electric guitar solo in the bridge that feels dreamlike and provides a welcome shift in pace before the final chorus.
Mixed by Anthony “Rocky” Gallo (Cigarettes After Sex, John Legend) and mastered by MdL (Justin Bieber, Maroon 5), the production maintains professional polish without sacrificing the intimate, road-weary atmosphere the song requires.
The lyrics thrive in their simplicity and mundane details like “sunlight streaming in on the passenger side” evoke an overwhelming sense of loneliness.
The song’s central tension lies in the chorus refrain “I’ve been changing,” which emphasises determination despite the lingering need for lost love.
It’s a mature perspective on heartbreak that acknowledges growth whilst honouring the complexity of moving forward.
With Motel 6, Tiger La Flor has crafted another moreish song with intricate layers that reveal themselves with each listen.
The track proves perfect for those sun-drenched summer road trips where the windows are down and the destination matters less than the journey.
Equally suited to chilled late-night moments when introspection feels most natural.
Tiger La Flor – Motel 6 Lyrics
slept at a motel 6 in san rafael
a dozen hours south of wishing you well
i crossed the golden gate and tried not to think about
if i stayed, could we have worked it out?
yesterday, i was somebody else
in southern california running from rain
but honey you’re the moon and i’m just the waves
ooo i’ve been changing
wish it was you not the road i’m chasing
and i hope you find me in the lightning
in the wind blowing behind me
ooo i’m still waiting
we always talked about how we’d make the drive
now it’s just sunlight streaming in on the passenger side
i’m almost halfway highway 1 to la
almost called just to say happy birthday
still haven’t made up my mind
ooo i’ve been changing
wish it was you not the road i’m chasing
and i hope you find me in the lightning
in the wind blowing behind me
ooo i’m still waiting
ooo i’ve been changing
wish it was you not the road i’m chasing
and i hope you hear this while you’re driving
gets you closer to realizing
ooo i’m still waiting
i’m still waiting
i’m still waiting
i’m still waiting
