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
Don´t Look At Me
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you read my face like I'm a fucking disgrace and you never look me in the eyes
the truth is always easiest to ignore and that's why you walk the other way
but is it really that hard for you to think of something comforting to say
Don't look at me as If I'm different
Don't look at me as If I wasn't there
Don't look at me as If I'm no good
You walk a little faster like you're trying to say that you really haven't got the time
and when I put my hand out for a coin or two you just pretend that you've gone blind
It seems hard for you to show any compassion for me but it wouldn't hurt for you to try
reality can be painfull but tell me have you ever wondered why?
Don't look at me as If I'm different
Don't look at me as If I wasn't there
Don't look at me as If I'm no good
Don't look at me as If you didn't care,as if I wasn't there!
You like to keep a safe distance from me to make sure that we never meet and just in case I might be dangerous you quickly turn and walk across the street
You're so scared of the sight that you see that you decide to never understand
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Don't look at me as If I'm different
Don't look at me as If I wasn't there
Don't look at me as If I'm no good
Don't look at me as If you didn't care,as if I wasn't there!
Clawfinger's "Don't Look At Me" is a powerful message about the harm that comes from judging people based on their physical appearance. The song is a plea from someone who is routinely ignored and belittled due to their appearance. The lyrics suggest that people find it easier to ignore someone than to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions.
The song addresses the insensitivity and apathy that many people show towards those who are different from them. The singer asks why people can't even show basic kindness or empathy towards others, stating that a few kind words would go a long way towards easing the pain of being ignored. The lyrics also take aim at the fear and mistrust many people have towards those who are different, suggesting that these feelings are based on ignorance and a lack of understanding.
Overall, "Don't Look At Me" is a powerful call for empathy and understanding towards those who are different from us. It challenges listeners to examine their own prejudices and to seek out connections and similarities with other people, rather than focusing on differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Why don't you want to talk to me does it feel easier to pass me by
Do you find it more convenient to ignore me and walk away instead of having a conversation with me?
you read my face like I'm a fucking disgrace and you never look me in the eyes
You seem to think I am unworthy and avoid making direct eye contact with me, which makes me feel inferior and unwanted.
the truth is always easiest to ignore and that's why you walk the other way
Ignoring the harsh reality is the easiest way out for you, hence, you choose to avoid me.
but is it really that hard for you to think of something comforting to say
Is it really difficult for you to show some empathy and say something that would make me feel better?
Don't look at me as If I'm different
Stop treating me like I don't belong and don't fit in with the rest of society.
Don't look at me as If I wasn't there
Acknowledge my existence and treat me like a human being.
Don't look at me as If I'm no good
Don't judge me based on my appearance or circumstances, give me a chance to prove my worth.
Don't look at me as If you didn't care,as if I wasn't there!
Don't act like you don't care about me, as if I'm insignificant and invisible.
You walk a little faster like you're trying to say that you really haven't got the time
You walk away quickly as if you don't have the time to spare or are simply uninterested in my presence.
and when I put my hand out for a coin or two you just pretend that you've gone blind
You ignore my request for help and act as if you didn't notice my need.
It seems hard for you to show any compassion for me but it wouldn't hurt for you to try
You struggle to show any empathy for me, but it wouldn't cost you anything to at least try and understand my situation.
You like to keep a safe distance from me to make sure that we never meet and just in case I might be dangerous you quickly turn and walk across the street
You prefer to keep a safe distance from me, assuming that I might be a threat to you and actively avoid crossing paths with me.
You're so scared of the sight that you see that you decide to never understand
You're so consumed by fear and prejudices that you choose to never try and understand my circumstances or acknowledge me as a person.
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Don't let my appearance or other superficial factors define me, accept me for who I truly am.
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Don't let my appearance or other superficial factors define me, accept me for who I truly am.
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Don't let my appearance or other superficial factors define me, accept me for who I truly am.
Instead of judging me by the way that I look,accept me for who I am
Don't let my appearance or other superficial factors define me, accept me for who I truly am.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind