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
Do What I Say
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When everybody has to do what I say
Don't do this don't do that
Don't you ever talk back
Don't speak with food in you mouth
Just keep quiet while the grown ups are talking
I'm not being mean I'm just being fair
It's just because I really care
But shut your mouth
You just have to do what I say
I don't want you to lie
You're much too old to cry
You're just to young to know
But when you're older you'll understand
You are mine I own you
Look at me I'm talking to you
Don't use that tone to me
So shut your mouth
You just have to do what I say
Do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it my way
I've paid to raise you good
Done everything I could
So don't you dare to say
That I never cared about you anyway
I gave you food to eat
I kept you on your feet
I gave you all my good advice
Not once did I hear you thank me for all that I've done
You don't know anything
About my suffering
I went through a lot of pain
Just to get you where you are today
If I ever hit you
It's because I have to
You have done something wrong
And you deserve the punishment,
You'll have to pay
Do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it ... my way
My way
My way
My way
Don't you ask me why not
Be glad with what you've got
Don't tell me you're alone
You should be glad that you have a home
Just look me in the eyes
You have to realize
I make the rules that's it
It's for you own good
So you have to do what I say
Do what I say
Do what I say
Do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it my way
The lyrics of Clawfinger's song "Do What I Say" depicts a power struggle between a parent and a child. The song starts with the singer expressing his desire for a future time when everyone will have to obey him. The instructions he gives to the child are mostly negative, conveying an image of an authoritarian figure who demands silence and unquestioning obedience. The singer insists that he is not being mean but caring, even though the tone of his voice is harsh and uncompromising. There is a sense of entitlement and superiority in the singer's words; he claims to own the child and has done everything for them, yet he demands gratitude and expects the child to be submissive.
The second part of the song is more aggressive, portraying the singer as someone who can resort to violence to enforce his authority. He justifies hitting the child as a punishment for their wrongdoings. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's desire for control and conformity.
The song can be interpreted as a critique of authoritarian parenting styles, where the parents' love is conditioned on the child's obedience and compliance. The song challenges the idea that parents have an absolute right to control their children, and instead advocates for a more empathetic and respectful approach to parenting.
Line by Line Meaning
When I grow up there will be a day
A future time will arrive when everyone will comply with what I say
When everybody has to do what I say
A time will come when people will have no choice but to follow my instructions
Don't do this don't do that
Avoid certain actions according to my rules
Don't you ever talk back
Never argue or contradict my authority
Don't speak with food in you mouth
Do not talk while chewing food
Just keep quiet while the grown ups are talking
Stay silent while the adults are conversing
I'm not being mean I'm just being fair
My actions are not cruel but just and reasonable
It's just because I really care
I do this because I care about you and your well-being
You know that I love you
I have affection for you
But shut your mouth
Be quiet
You just have to do what I say
Simply follow my commands
I don't want you to lie
Tell the truth
You're much too old to cry
You have reached an age where crying is not acceptable
You're just to young to know
You are too inexperienced to understand
But when you're older you'll understand
In time you will develop the necessary comprehension
You are mine I own you
You belong to me and are under my authority
Look at me I'm talking to you
Pay attention when I'm speaking to you
Don't use that tone to me
Do not speak to me in that manner
So shut your mouth
Be silent
Do what I say
Listen to my directives
I've paid to raise you good
I have invested time and money in raising you properly
Done everything I could
I have made every effort to provide you with everything you need
So don't you dare to say
Do not even think about making accusations
That I never cared about you anyway
That I did not show care towards you is a false statement
I gave you food to eat
I provided sustenance
I kept you on your feet
I ensured your physical stability
I gave you all my good advice
I offered valuable guidance
Not once did I hear you thank me for all that I've done
You never expressed gratitude for everything that I did for you
You don't know anything
Your knowledge is lacking
About my suffering
You have no idea about my hardships
I went through a lot of pain
I endured many difficult circumstances
Just to get you where you are today
To provide you with the present opportunities
If I ever hit you
Physical harm is an option in situations
It's because I have to
It is a necessity
You have done something wrong
Your behavior is unacceptable
And you deserve the punishment
You should face the consequences of your actions
You'll have to pay
You will suffer the penalty
My way
I make the decisions
Don't you ask me why not
Do not question my motives
Be glad with what you've got
Appreciate the things that you have
Don't tell me you're alone
Do not complain about being on your own
You should be glad that you have a home
You should feel fortunate to have a place to live
Just look me in the eyes
Make eye contact with me
You have to realize
You need to understand
I make the rules that's it
I am the one who sets the regulations
It's for you own good
This is intended for your personal benefit
Do what I say
Comply with my instructions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nadezhda Manolova
Текст (превод на български):
CLAWFINGER – ПРАВИ КАКВОТО ТИ КАЗВАМ
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Не прави това, не прави онова!
Я не ми отговаряй така!
Не говори с пълна уста,
Просто си мълчи, докато възрастните говорят!
Аз не съм лош, просто съм справедлив,
Така е, защото аз наистина съм загрижен.
Знаеш, че те обичам,
Но затвори си устата, просто трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам!
Не искам да лъжеш,
Твърде голям си да плачеш,
Твърде млад си да знаеш,
Но когато пораснеш ще разбереш.
Ти си мое дете, ти си моя собственост,
Гледай ме, когато ти говоря,
Не ми дръж такъв тон!
Така че затвори си устата, просто трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН!
Платил съм, за да ви отгледам добре,
Направил съм всичко възможно, така че не смей да казваш,
Че никога не ме е било грижа за теб.
Дадох ти храна да ядеш,
Дадох ти опора в живота,
Дадох ти всички свои добри съвети,
Нито веднъж не чух да ми благодариш за всичко, което направих.
Ти нищо не знаеш,
За моето страдание.
Преживях много болка,
Само за да ти осигуря мястото, на което си днес.
Ако някога съм те удрял,
Това е, защото така е трябвало.
Направил си нещо нередно,
И си заслужил наказание, ще трябва да си платиш, трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН!
Не ме питай „Защо не“,
Радвай се на това, което имаш,
Не ми казвай, че си сам,
Трябва да се радваш, че имаш дом.
Просто ме погледни в очите,
Ти просто трябва да осъзнаеш,
Аз диктувам правилата и това е!
Всичко това е за твое добро, така че трябва да правиш, каквото ти казвам.
Прави каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН!
CLAWFINGER – ПРАВИ КАКВОТО ТИ КАЗВАМ
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Не прави това, не прави онова!
Я не ми отговаряй така!
Не говори с пълна уста,
Просто си мълчи, докато възрастните говорят!
Аз не съм лош, просто съм справедлив,
Така е, защото аз наистина съм загрижен.
Знаеш, че те обичам,
Но затвори си устата, просто трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам!
Не искам да лъжеш,
Твърде голям си да плачеш,
Твърде млад си да знаеш,
Но когато пораснеш ще разбереш.
Ти си мое дете, ти си моя собственост,
Гледай ме, когато ти говоря,
Не ми дръж такъв тон!
Така че затвори си устата, просто трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН!
Платил съм, за да ви отгледам добре,
Направил съм всичко възможно, така че не смей да казваш,
Че никога не ме е било грижа за теб.
Дадох ти храна да ядеш,
Дадох ти опора в живота,
Дадох ти всички свои добри съвети,
Нито веднъж не чух да ми благодариш за всичко, което направих.
Ти нищо не знаеш,
За моето страдание.
Преживях много болка,
Само за да ти осигуря мястото, на което си днес.
Ако някога съм те удрял,
Това е, защото така е трябвало.
Направил си нещо нередно,
И си заслужил наказание, ще трябва да си платиш, трябва да правиш каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН! МОЯТ НАЧИН!
Не ме питай „Защо не“,
Радвай се на това, което имаш,
Не ми казвай, че си сам,
Трябва да се радваш, че имаш дом.
Просто ме погледни в очите,
Ти просто трябва да осъзнаеш,
Аз диктувам правилата и това е!
Всичко това е за твое добро, така че трябва да правиш, каквото ти казвам.
Прави каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам! Прави каквото ти казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам!
Когато порасна ще дойде денят,
Когато всеки ще трябва да прави каквото аз казвам… ПО МОЯ НАЧИН!
Alexandru Ovedenie
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
Don't do this don't do that
Don't you ever talk back
Don't speak with food in your mouth
Just keep quiet while the grown ups are talking
I'm not being mean I'm just being fair
It's just because I really care
You know that I love you
But shut your mouth you just have to do what I say
I don't want you to lie
You're much too old to cry
You're just to young to know
But when you're older you'll understand
You are mine I own you
Look at me I'm talking to you
Don't use that tone to me
So shut your mouth you just have to do what I say, do what i say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it my way, my way
I've paid to raise you good
Done everything I could so don't you dare to say
That I never cared about you anyway
I gave you food to eat
I kept you on your feet
I gave you all my good advice
Not once did I hear you thank me for all that I've done
You don't know anything
About my suffering
I went through a lot of pain
Just to get you where you are today
If I ever hit you
It's because I have to
You have done something wrong
And you deserve the punishment, you'll have to pay, do what i say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it my way, my way, my way, my way
Don't you ask me why not
Be glad with what you've got
Don't tell me you're alone
You should be glad that you have a home
Just look me in the eyes
You have to realize
I make the rules that's it
It's for your own good so you have to do what I say,
do what I say, do what i say, do what i say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do what I say
When I grow up there will be a day
When everybody has to do it my way
Loki Lokk
I'm so proud... My mom writes lyrics for Clawfinger.
Blahblah Bluhbluh
did Zak Tell you that?
MrVimek
@EnZaRoO and Wiliam Tell is my auntie. Cheers 😎🤘
Interessanter S.h.i.t. für junge Leute
Same here
Red Clement Lupescu
Wow........
Max Yudin
I know the stuff become moldy. But not this one.
Lackesse
I was like 14-15 when I heard this for the first time?... I was baffled.... Now I'm really emotionally pumped. It's a great song.. Really fits in the ''most underrated songs of all times'' category very well.
Bajonett
Ayo, look at the Slovakian
Geremy Houston
Años buscando este tema y lo encuentro un día como hoy, inolvidable.
Bogdan Hanganu
When i grow up, there will be a day when.... i`ll be 31 and still listen to this masterpiece in 2019.