Lyric discussion by gui12345 

Cover art for Elephants lyrics by Rachael Yamagata

Her main message, I think, are the last lines:

"So for those of you falling in love, keep it kind, keep it good, keep it right. Throw yourself in the midst of danger, but keep one eye open at night."

In parallel to these lines:

"If the tiger shall protect her young, then tell me how did you slip by. All my instincts have failed me for once -- I must have somehow slept the whole night."

Song Meaning