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
Bitch
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know we never go out this late
You're making me look stupid and now I'm feeling mad
It must have been something you ate
I used to love you but now I'm not so sure
There's something about your whole attitude
I've got this feeling eatin' straight through my brain
But you're still my bitch
Everytime we go out for a walk in the park
You're always barking up the wrong tree
Now you just want attention from the opposite sex
I know that you're just using me
Sometimes when you get angry you show me your teeth
But I know your bark is worse than your bite
And then when you get hungry it's a whole different deal
You act like everything is alright
But you're still my bitch
You always try to play those tricks with my mind
But bitch I know a trick or two
For everytime you try to make me loosen your leash
You know I'll have to punish you
You look at me and throw yourself at me feet
Hoping I might pat you on the back
But I'm not gonna go there, I won't fall for that
Not until you cut me some slack
But you're still my bitch
The lyrics to "Bitch" by Clawfinger are an interesting take on a tumultuous relationship, though the relationship in question is between a human and a dog. The song features various instances throughout a day where the singer is fed up with their dog's behavior. From going out too late to barking up the wrong tree, the dog's "whole attitude" is causing frustration. The singer's feelings about their dog are complicated as they express love for it but also feel incredibly irritated by its singular focus on food.
The lyrics of the song suggest that the singer longs for a more meaningful relationship with their dog, one that involves some emotional or intellectual connection. They lament the fact that their dog is only interested in food and doesn't seem to appreciate or notice anything else. The use of the word "bitch" throughout the song is an interesting choice, as it means both a female dog and a derogatory term for a woman. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how people change in relationships, whether it's a human or a dog.
Overall, "Bitch" is a humorous but thought-provoking song about love, loyalty, and frustration. It asks us to consider our own relationships and the ways in which our behavior can affect those we love, even if those we love are furry, four-legged creatures.
Line by Line Meaning
What the hell is wrong with you have you lost your mind
Addressing someone and questioning their actions, as they seem irrational and out of character.
You know we never go out this late
Stating a fact that someone should be aware of, as it goes against the usual routine.
You're making me look stupid and now I'm feeling mad
Acknowledging someone's actions and the consequences that arise from them, expressing frustration and anger.
It must have been something you ate
Making an assumption as to why someone is behaving in a certain way, assigning blame to a hypothetical cause.
I used to love you but now I'm not so sure
Admitting a change in feelings towards someone, suggesting that they no longer feel the same way they once did.
There's something about your whole attitude
Identifying a specific issue with someone's behaviour, acknowledging it as a problem that requires attention.
I've got this feeling eatin' straight through my brain
Describing a feeling of intense frustration or irritation, as if it is physically affecting the singer's mind.
All you ever think about is food
Making an observation about someone's preoccupation with a particular subject, suggesting that they are overly fixated on it.
But you're still my bitch
An ironic acknowledgement of someone's negative traits, still asserting control over them despite disliking their behaviour.
Everytime we go out for a walk in the park
Describing a routine activity that is easily recognizable and familiar to both parties.
You're always barking up the wrong tree
Accusing someone of pursuing the wrong course of action or goal, as it will lead to failure or disappointment.
Now you just want attention from the opposite sex
Accusing someone of pursuing romantic or sexual advances as a way of gaining attention or validation.
I know that you're just using me
Acknowledging that someone is manipulating the singer, using them in a way that benefits the other party.
Sometimes when you get angry you show me your teeth
Describing a specific physical response to a particular emotion, suggesting that it is an inappropriate or aggressive reaction.
But I know your bark is worse than your bite
Asserting that someone's behaviour is not as threatening as it may seem, as they lack the actual power to cause harm.
And then when you get hungry it's a whole different deal
Describing a change in behaviour based on a physical need, similar to the change in behaviour when someone is drunk or otherwise impaired.
You act like everything is alright
Faking a sense of normalcy or calm when there is clearly tension or conflict present.
You always try to play those tricks with my mind
Accusing someone of manipulating or deceiving the singer, trying to control their thoughts or feelings.
But bitch I know a trick or two
Asserting power and knowledge over someone else, suggesting that the singer is not easily fooled.
For everytime you try to make me loosen your leash
Describing a power dynamic between two parties, where one is trying to assert control over the other by testing boundaries.
You know I'll have to punish you
Asserting that there will be repercussions if someone steps out of line, establishing control through the threat of punishment.
You look at me and throw yourself at me feet
Describing someone's desire for attention, suggesting that they are desperate for validation or approval.
Hoping I might pat you on the back
Expressing the desire for praise or recognition, looking for approval from another party.
But I'm not gonna go there, I won't fall for that
Rejecting someone's advances or attempts at manipulation, asserting independence and control over the situation.
Not until you cut me some slack
Asserting that the singer is looking for some space or room for manoeuvre, requiring some breathing room in the relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@5toyan
The whistling gets me every single time...
@vorpalkickass8825
Ah, memories... Such a great fucking band.
@nancyka64
Nem mai darab de nagyon finom.Thx from Hungary!
@rudolflribi
nancyka64 Bizony!And fucking good!
@LordKegyetlen
nancyka64 Hatalmas fesztiválraindulós autós zene egy kutyáról :D :D :D :D
@F1ash1ight
I love Clawfinger!!!
@Darkwing69Duck
somehow I get the feeling that this song is about his dog..
@user-ot7ef2hp4f
один из лучших треков полюбому ихних
@Gametherapist
yay für Clawfinger
@OmgWTFize
Damn good song!