The band's origin dates back to the summer of 1989 when Zak Tell and Jocke Skog met while working together at the Rosenlund Hospital somewhere in the vicinity of Stockholm. In 1990 they were joined by the Norwegian guitarists Bård Torstensen and Erlend Ottem who were also working at the same hospital. Soon the four realized their similar interests in music. Bård and Erlend previously played in a band called Theo in their hometown Arendal back in Norway. Their free time was invested in exploring the musical world, composing and writing songs while evolving into a band.
Their original demo comprising three tracks (Waste of Time, Nigger and Profit Preacher) quickly secured them local radio airplay and consequently brought them to the attention of the MVG label. "Nigger" is an anti-racism statement that caused quite a stir and was a massive success; it was also released as a single. By the beginning of the 1990s, Clawfinger self-released their debut Deaf Dumb Blind. This sold in over 600,000 copies worldwide and was critically acclaimed in Swedish press. With the addition of André Skaug and drummer Morten Skaug, Clawfinger went on tour and played at countless European festivals including major support slots with Anthrax and Alice in Chains.
The band received many awards, including two home Grammies at the Swedish Grammy Awards in 1994 for best hard rock band and best music video. After touring, they went straight back in the studio to record their second album, Use Your Brain. After the release of this album they went on yet another touring campaign, most notably participating at Ozzy Osbourne's Monsters of Rock Festival in Brazil and Chile, rocking alongside American metal counterparts like Megadeth, Faith No More, and Alice Cooper. Back in Europe they continued their touring campaign by participating at festivals and countless gigs.
Their self-titled album Clawfinger was released in 1997. The first song on the album is Two Sides, which expanded the band's reach by using female choir vocals and a Middle Eastern sound. The rest of the album continues with the band's typical aggressive voice and socio-political lyrics.
A Whole Lot of Nothing was the fourth album released on 23 July 2001. The music showcases the same aggressive guitars, with more distortion effects and sounds, adding a whole new level of diversification. As for the synthesizers, on this particular album they're more present than on any other of Clawfinger's works.
Zeros & Heroes was released in 2003 and it caused controversy in America because the song Step Aside did not sit well with most American audiences due to the fact it slams George W. Bush and the post 9/11 (and not only) military politics of the US. It offers yet another style change for the ears of the listener. The electronic sound and synthesizers from A Whole Lot of Nothing are gone and replaced by a more complex and melodic guitar riffing.
Hate Yourself With Style was released in 2005. The album continued the path entered on Zeros & Heroes and is characterized by hardrock style melodic speedy guitar riffs. The keyboards which particularly characterized A Whole Lot of Nothing have completely disappeared.
Life Will Kill You was released in 2007. It has spawned three singles: Prisoners, The Price We Pay, and Little Baby.
The band officially disbanded in 23 August 2013.
Current members:
Zak Tell — vocals
Jocke Skog — keyboards
Bard Torstensen — guitar
Henka Johansson — drums
Andre Skaug — bass
Biggest
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm here to give you all a heavy heavenly dose
I think you better listen, 'cause I know who you are
And I think that you should treat me like a superstar
Because I'm more than just a human, I'm a gift to all of you
And I'm here to make sure that my message gets through
I wonder if you're really all as dumb as you look
Or are you smart enough to learn the rules in my book
Puts me in the position of a God or a king
'Cause I'm blessed with the gift of the magic touch
And I wouldn't say that I'm asking for too much
All you have to do is get down on your knees and pray
And I promise you the remedy is on its way
But you can never be like me so don't waste your time
Because I reign supreme and my position is divine
What's wrong with being self-possessed?
Nobody's satisfied with being second best
I've got the gift and I know that I'm blessed
And I gotta get it off my chest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm not afraid of competition 'cause I know that I'm best
And you haven't got a chance to even pass my little test
Even if you wanted to you couldn't pay the price
There ain't no room for losers in my perfect paradise
'Cause life is always based upon the weight of your success
So I'll make sure that I get the most and nothing less
If I love myself then everyone will love me too
And there's nothing you can do for me that I can't do
What's wrong with being self-possessed?
Nobody's satisfied with being second best
I've got the gift and I know that I'm blessed
And I gotta get it off my chest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
So welcome to my kingdom and enjoy your little stay
Even if you can't afford it, I'll still make you pay
So you better come and get it and enjoy it while you can
Don't tell me that you're dumb enough to think I give a damn
I couldn't care less about what you achieve
And there's only one thing that you have to believe
The only thing important that you have to understand
Is that no matter what you say I'm still a God, I really am
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
I'm the biggest, the best, better than the rest
Better than the rest
In "Biggest End The Best," Clawfinger sings about an egotistical and narcissistic individual who considers themselves as a gift to others. They view themselves as more than just human, equating themselves to god or a king. They believe that they are perfect and everyone else is beneath them, and they offer their followers a "heavy heavenly dose" of their message. They view success as the most crucial aspect of life and believe that they are entitled to the ultimate success, with no space for losers in their paradise. The song's message is that it's okay to be self-possessed, but it's not okay to believe that others are inferior and make them pay for it, as no one is truly above anyone else.
The lyrics of the song depict an individual with a bloated ego and a superiority complex. The singer is a self-proclaimed superstar who thinks that their idea is the only way to be successful. If others will follow their rules and worship them, they can provide the remedy that will lead to success. The song's speaker also talks about competition, saying that they are not afraid of it because they are the best. Even if their competitors wanted to try, they would not succeed because there is no place for losers in their paradise. The song wraps up with a warning to everyone who doesn't respect the singer's place as a god. They couldn't care less about what someone else achieves; they know that they reign supreme and their position is divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody is perfect but I'm pretty fucking close,
Although perfection is not attainable, I consider myself very close to being perfect and therefore superior to others.
And I'm here to give you all a heavy heavenly dose.
I am a gift to all of you and my presence is meant to improve your lives exponentially.
I think you better listen 'cause I know who you are,
You should listen to me because I have the knowledge to understand who you are and what you need to do.
And I think that you should treat me like a superstar,
You should give me the same treatment and respect as a celebrity because of my superiority.
Because I'm more than just a human I'm the gift to all of you,
I am not just a regular human being; I am a special gift to everyone.
And I'm here to make sure that my message gets through.
My purpose in life is to ensure that my message is heard and understood by others.
I wonder if you're really all as dumb as you look,
I question whether others are truly as unintelligent as they appear to be.
Or are you smart enough to learn the rules in my book.
However, I am willing to teach others the rules in my book if they prove themselves to be intelligent enough.
I hope you understand that the knowledge I bring,
My knowledge is valuable and important for others to understand and learn from.
Puts me in the position of a god or a king,
My knowledge and superiority elevate me to a position of power comparable to that of a god or king.
'Cause I'm blessed with the gift of the magic touch,
My unique and special abilities are a result of my blessing with a 'magic touch'.
And I wouldn't say that I'm asking for too much.
I believe that what I am asking for is not too much because of my superiority.
All you have to do is get down on your knees and pray,
For others to benefit from my presence, they need to show me the level of respect I believe I deserve.
And I promise you the remedy is on its way,
Those who follow my guidance will receive the remedy or solution they are seeking.
But you can never be like me so don't waste your time,
Others cannot replicate my abilities or become like me, so they should not even try.
Because I reign supreme and my position is divine.
My position is synonymous with a divine being, and I am the supreme ruler over others.
What's wrong with being self-possessed?
I see nothing wrong with being self-possessed or confident in oneself.
Nobody satisfied with being second best.
No one is satisfied with being second best, including myself.
I've got the gift and I know that I'm blessed,
I have a special talent or ability that sets me apart from others, and I recognize that I have been blessed with it.
And I've got to get it off my chest.
I am compelled to express and share my gift with others.
So welcome to my kingdom and enjoy your little stay,
Others are welcome to enter into my domain or presence, but only for a short time.
Even if you can't afford it I'll still make you pay.
Even if others cannot repay or compensate me for my services, they will still be expected to make some sort of payment for my time.
So you better come and get it and enjoy it while you can,
Those who want to benefit from my gift need to act quickly and take full advantage of it.
Don't tell me that you're dumb enough to think I give a damn.
Others should not have the foolish expectation that I care about them or their feelings.
I couldn't care less about what you achieve,
I have no interest or investment in others' achievements or successes.
And there's only one thing that you have to believe:
For others to benefit from my gift, they need to believe in me and my abilities.
The only thing important that you have to understand,
The most important thing for others to understand is my superiority and the value of my teachings.
Is that no matter what you say it's still a god I really am.
Regardless of others' opinions or statements, I firmly believe that I am comparable to a god in my abilities and superiority.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bard Sverre Torstensen, Erlend Ottem, Jocke Skog, Zak Nikolas Tell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dmitrysorokin9074
2023 and still one of the best self pumped up songs, one love claefinger <3
@radiomoscow_yu
Clawfinger called it a day off. You will be remembered as one of the greatest rap-metal bands ever. Respect!
@grauekatze
Clawfinger, melting irony meters everywhere for 20+ years.
@andres96tejeiro
I dont think he takes drugs
@NShomebase
I'm never going to be able to see a football, basketball or baseball game now without hearing this song.
@user-mm3sd3uh6y
this clip is irony about Usain Bolt))
@wowpgmnoobi
Best workout song! Can't squat/bench press without this
@kenth0120
"What's wrong with being self posessed?" Although tounge in cheek.....this HAS to be the best motivational song ever. "Nobody's perfect but I'm pretty fucking close!" :-)
@TripleZ89
"What's wrong with being self possesed? Nobody's satisfied with being second best..." Simply great lyrics!
@EnmandsBand1
November 2020 and I still listen to this, they just nailed it back then