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
I'm Your Life & Religion
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been to the places that you couldn't even find
I seen all the things you never thought you'd get to see
I've been everyone you couldn't be
I've read all the stories and I know how they end
I've fixed all the broken things that you couldn't mend
I've taken all the chances what you never even took
and I've found the things you overlooked
I'm the answer to your questions, I'm belief when you're in doubt
I'm based on a rumor, I'm spread by word of mouth
there's no proof of my existence I'm the myth that you arouse
I'm your life and religion, your faith and your hope
Your drug and your addiction, your injection of dope
I've meet all the people that you never dared to meet
I've played all the games of life and never once been beat
I've walked upon the water without even getting wet
and there's not a thing that I regret
I've done everything that's wrong and made it right again
I've talked to all my enemies and turned them into friends
I've been crucified and resurrected from the dead
do you believe a single word I've said?
I'm the answer to your questions, I'm belief when you're in doubt
I'm based on a rumor, I'm spread by word of mouth
there's no proof of my existence I'm the myth that you arouse
I'm your life and religion, your faith and your hope
Your drug and your addiction, your injection of dope
I'm everywhere and nowhere I'm your savior when you sin
I'm your great escape to higher ground when you give in
I'm everybody's scapegoat I'm a glimpse of clarity
Would you sacrifice yourself for me?
The song "I'm Your Life & Religion" by Clawfinger is a commentary on the nature of belief and the way it shapes our lives. The singer claims to have all the answers and have gone through experiences that the listener has not. They are a myth and rumor, spread by word of mouth, and yet they are also the answer to our questions and the belief that gives us hope.
The lyrics serve to question the very nature of religion and belief. The singer claims to have done everything that is wrong and made it right again, suggesting that nothing is truly wrong or right, but rather it is all a matter of perception. They claim to have turned enemies into friends and have been crucified and resurrected from the dead, which could be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of redemption and forgiveness.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as it equates the singer with both a drug and a religion. They are the injection of dope that we depend on, but they are also our faith and hope. They are everywhere and nowhere, and yet they are our savior when we sin and our escape to higher ground.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm Your Life & Religion" challenge the listener to question their beliefs and consider the role that myths and rumors play in shaping our worldview.
Line by Line Meaning
I know the answers to the questions in your mind
I possess knowledge of information that can answer your unvoiced inquiries
I've been to the places that you couldn't even find
I have journeyed to locations that are unknown or hidden to you
I seen all the things you never thought you'd get to see
I have witnessed things that you deemed impossible to observe
I've been everyone you couldn't be
I have embodied personalities or characters that are beyond your reach
I've read all the stories and I know how they end
I have familiarized myself with narratives and I am aware of their conclusions
I've fixed all the broken things that you couldn't mend
I have repaired damaged objects or situations that may seem beyond your ability to restore
I've taken all the chances what you never even took
I have seized opportunities that you did not have the courage or foresight to undertake
and I've found the things you overlooked
I have discovered artifacts or experiences that you have disregarded or missed
I'm the answer to your questions, I'm belief when you're in doubt
I am the resolution to your uncertainties, and I represent conviction when you are uncertain
I'm based on a rumor, I'm spread by word of mouth
My existence is founded on a story or hearsay, and I am disseminated through verbal communication
there's no proof of my existence I'm the myth that you arouse
There is no tangible evidence of my actuality; I am a legendary concept that you awaken or excite
I'm your life and religion, your faith and your hope
I am your essence and devotion, your confidence and aspiration
Your drug and your addiction, your injection of dope
I am your intoxicating substance and your habit-forming fixation, your psychological high
I've meet all the people that you never dared to meet
I have interacted with individuals that you have avoided or feared to encounter
I've played all the games of life and never once been beat
I have engaged in challenges or pursuits in existence and have not suffered defeat
I've walked upon the water without even getting wet
I have traversed liquid surfaces without becoming dampened
and there's not a thing that I regret
I do not lament any of my past actions or decisions
I've done everything that's wrong and made it right again
I have committed misconduct but remedied the situation afterwards
I've talked to all my enemies and turned them into friends
I have communicated with my adversaries and transformed them into allies
I've been crucified and resurrected from the dead
I have experienced a figurative or literal death and a rebirth or rejuvenation
do you believe a single word I've said?
Are you convinced by any of my statements?
I'm everywhere and nowhere I'm your savior when you sin
I am omnipresent and elusive, and I am your rescuer when you commit wrongful acts
I'm your great escape to higher ground when you give in
I am your means of evasion to a more transcendent state when you succumb to temptation or failure
I'm everybody's scapegoat I'm a glimpse of clarity
I am the target of blame for everyone, and I provide a momentary, lucid insight
Would you sacrifice yourself for me?
Are you willing to offer yourself as a sacrifice for my sake?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind