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
Falling
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Despite having dealt with my faults and depressions
A lesson's been learned though it taught me to listen
To all of the thoughts I've been busy dismissin'
I'm still dealing with feelings of under achieving
And I've always had issues when it comes to believing
They say time is healing you forgive and forget
But it just doesn't feel like I've gotten there yet
I'm creeping, I'm crawling
I'm screaming, I'm calling
I'm climbing the walls but I'm falling
I've made mistakes and I've learned a few lessons
And I've come to terms with a few strange obsessions
Cos we all have our issues that we need to take care of
The less appropriate sides we're not always aware of
I crawl back in my shell each time I take a beating
Think positive thoughts is what I keep on repeating
I'm learning to deal with the cards I've been given
Cos my confidence fails me the further I'm driven
I'm creeping, I'm crawling
I'm screaming, I'm calling
I'm climbing the walls but I'm falling
The lyrics of Clawfinger's song "Falling" deal with the struggles of dealing with personal issues and self-doubt. The singer acknowledges that despite going through therapy and addressing their flaws and negative emotions, they still feel like they are falling short of their potential. The song highlights the importance of listening to one's inner thoughts and taking responsibility for personal growth. The lyrics also touch on the idea that everyone has their struggles and difficulties that they need to work on, and that it is essential to recognize and accept them.
The first verse deals with the singer's struggles with their own expectations of themselves and their difficulty in believing in their abilities. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and disappointment with themselves for not feeling like they have made enough progress despite the work they have put in. The second verse talks about the need to accept one's shortcomings and deal with them rather than ignore them. The line about crawling back into a shell signifies a retreat into oneself when faced with difficulties, and the idea of positive thinking is encouraged as a means of coping.
Overall, the song "Falling" reminds listeners that everyone struggles with personal demons and that it is essential to acknowledge them and work on them rather than ignore or deny them. The song encourages self-awareness and personal responsibility as means to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't say I've been saved after all of my sessions
Despite going through therapy and dealing with my issues, I don't feel completely healed.
Despite having dealt with my faults and depressions
Even though I've worked on my flaws and mental health, I'm still struggling.
A lesson's been learned though it taught me to listen
I've gained wisdom from my struggles and learned to pay attention to my thoughts.
To all of the thoughts I've been busy dismissin'
I'm learning to stop ignoring my own feelings and emotions.
I'm still dealing with feelings of under achieving
I have a constant sense of inadequacy and failure.
And I've always had issues when it comes to believing
I struggle with trust and often doubt myself.
They say time is healing you forgive and forget
People say time heals all wounds and you should forgive and move on.
But it just doesn't feel like I've gotten there yet
However, I don't feel like I've fully healed or moved on.
I've made mistakes and I've learned a few lessons
I've had setbacks and gained knowledge from them.
And I've come to terms with a few strange obsessions
I've accepted some unusual habits or tendencies of mine.
Cos we all have our issues that we need to take care of
Everyone has their own problems that they need to address.
The less appropriate sides we're not always aware of
We may not be conscious of our less acceptable traits or behaviors.
I crawl back in my shell each time I take a beating
I retreat and isolate myself when facing criticism or failure.
Think positive thoughts is what I keep on repeating
I try to maintain a positive mindset even when things get tough.
I'm learning to deal with the cards I've been given
I'm trying to cope with the difficulties I've faced in life.
Cos my confidence fails me the further I'm driven
As I face tougher challenges, my self-assurance decreases.
I'm creeping, I'm crawling
I feel like I'm moving very slowly or not making progress.
I'm screaming, I'm calling
I'm expressing my emotions or calling out for help.
I'm climbing the walls but I'm falling
I'm feeling trapped or overwhelmed and am losing my grip.
Contributed by Julian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.