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
Easy Way Out
Clawfinger Lyrics
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Are you scared of your reflection?
Suicide is no solution
Try to make your contribution
Don't believe in resurrection
You won't find the lost connection
Life is only what you make it
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
Do you like the situation?
Can you take the penetration?
When you've made your reputation
Take care of your own frustration
Life is hard don't make it worse
Don't tell me your life's a curse
You can't regret the choice you've made
If you decide what chords are played
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
Can you feel your own frustration?
Can you grip the situation?
Do you feel determination?
Do you feel the suffocation?
Do you feel the sterilization?
Do you feel the strangulation?
Don't say that you don't want to live your life anyway
Don't say that you can't take another day
Don't say nobody cares about you anyway
Do you know what your friends would say
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
There is no easy way out
The lyrics of Clawfinger's song "Easy Way Out" are about introspection, self-improvement, and taking responsibility for one's own life. The song encourages the listener to face their fears and frustrations head-on instead of resorting to suicide. The lyrics stress the importance of making one's own choices and taking control of one's own destiny, even though life can be tough at times. The chorus repeats the message that there is no easy way out, meaning that we must face our problems and find our own solutions.
The song is a call to action, encouraging the listener to take responsibility for their own life and not to give up when things get tough. The verses discuss the importance of self-perfection, not relying on external forces to save us, and taking care of our own frustrations. The lyrics also raise the question of whether we can handle the situation we are in and whether we have the determination to see it through. The song seeks to inspire and motivate the listener to make the most of their life, no matter the challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Introspection, self perfection
Looking inward to improve oneself
Are you scared of your reflection?
Are you afraid to face your true self?
Suicide is no solution
Taking one's life is not a way out
Try to make your contribution
Do what you can to make the world a better place
Don't believe in resurrection
Don't believe in second chances
You won't find the lost connection
You won't find what you lost
Life is only what you make it
You have control over your life
So decide if you can take it
Decide if you can handle it
There is no easy way out
There are no shortcuts in life
Do you like the situation?
Are you happy with your current circumstances?
Can you take the penetration?
Can you handle the criticism?
When you've made your reputation
Once you've established your name
Take care of your own frustration
Manage your own emotions
Life is hard don't make it worse
Life is already difficult, don't make it harder
Don't tell me your life's a curse
Don't make excuses for your life
You can't regret the choice you've made
You have to live with your choices
If you decide what chords are played
If you take control of your life
Can you feel your own frustration?
Are you aware of your own anger?
Can you grip the situation?
Can you handle the pressure?
Do you feel determination?
Do you feel motivated?
Do you feel the suffocation?
Are you struggling to breathe?
Do you feel the sterilization?
Do you feel restrained?
Do you feel the strangulation?
Do you feel choked?
Don't say that you don't want to live your life anyway
Don't say you don't care about your life
Don't say that you can't take another day
Don't give up just yet
Don't say nobody cares about you anyway
Don't assume that nobody cares about you
Do you know what your friends would say
Do you know what your loved ones would tell you?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind