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
Nobody Knows
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and that nobody knows where it's all coming from
I've got a whole lot of questions that I'm never gonna ask
I don't want to know what's behind your mask
I've got a life of my own it's hard enough as it is
without having to listen to your personal biz
If we all keep quiet it could be ideal
'Cause I don't want to know how you feel
Nobody nobody knows, nobody blows it if nobody knows it
Nobody nobody knows, nobody knows it until you expose it
Nobody nobody knows
so don't open your mouth if you don't know how to close it
It's a god damn pity I don't know what the use is
for all of your good for nothing lame excuses
It's complicated makes me frustrated
brings everything out in me I've always hated
Instead of pretending that we always agree
Why don't you just tell me what you think about me
because we all want to leave but nobody wants to go
'Cause everybody knows we all know
Chorus
Everybody knows what I'm talking about
all the little white secrets that never come out
All the things that we do and the things that we say
in this stupid little game called life we play
I don't want to hurt you so I don't want to know
what you're thinking about and where you're going to go
I don't want to stick my nose in anybody's affairs
I don't want to know and who cares
Chorus
The lyrics to Clawfinger's song "Nobody Knows" criticize the superficiality of social interactions where everyone is pretending to be stupid and nobody expresses their true feelings or thoughts. The singer opens by suggesting that pretending to be ignorant is a way to avoid asking uncomfortable questions or hearing others' personal stories. The singer seems frustrated with the incessant chatter around them and desires peace and quiet instead of hearing constant personal issues. They also reflect on the fact that even when people pretend to get along, they often hold deep negative feelings towards each other.
The chorus repeats the line "nobody knows" over and over, driving home the message that people often keep their thoughts and feelings hidden, leading to a lack of meaningful connection between individuals. The singer acknowledges that everyone has secrets and that the complexities of life can be frustrating, but they would rather not know about it. The closing lines caution against being too open if one cannot handle the consequences.
The song's message can be seen as a call to authenticity and emotional vulnerability, as well as a critique of the superficiality of social interactions. The lyrics point out that while it may seem easier to pretend that we don't care or don't know, true connection and growth can only come when we are honest with ourselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's all pretend that we're stupid and dumb
We should act as if we do not know or understand anything.
and that nobody knows where it's all coming from
We will pretend that we do not know the origin of anything.
I've got a whole lot of questions that I'm never gonna ask
There are many things that I am curious about but will keep to myself.
I don't want to know what's behind your mask
I prefer not to know the hidden, true intentions of others.
I've got a life of my own it's hard enough as it is
My own life is already challenging and complicated, and I cannot handle other people's issues.
without having to listen to your personal biz
I do not want to hear about someone else's personal affairs.
If we all keep quiet it could be ideal
If everyone remains silent, it could be a perfect situation.
'Cause I don't want to know how you feel
I prefer not to know someone else's emotions.
Nobody nobody knows, nobody shows it if nobody knows it
Everyone has secrets they keep hidden from others.
Nobody nobody knows, nobody blows it if nobody knows it
If no one knows about a secret, it cannot be exposed or revealed.
Nobody nobody knows, nobody knows it until you expose it
Secrets remain unknown until they are revealed or exposed.
Nobody nobody knows so don't open your mouth if you don't know how to close it
It is best not to speak unless you know how to keep a secret.
It's a god damn pity I don't know what the use is
It is a shame that I do not understand the purpose of certain things.
for all of your good for nothing lame excuses
I see through your poor excuses and deem them useless.
It's complicated makes me frustrated
Complicated situations and secrets make me annoyed and angry.
brings everything out in me I've always hated
These situations bring out the negative emotions and qualities I have always despised.
Instead of pretending that we always agree
We should stop pretending that we always have the same opinions.
Why don't you just tell me what you think about me
Why not be honest about your thoughts and opinions about me?
because we all want to leave but nobody wants to go
Everyone wants to escape from something, but no one wants to be the first to leave.
'Cause everybody knows we all know
It is common knowledge that we all have secrets.
Everybody knows what I'm talking about
What I am saying is relatable to everyone present.
all the little white secrets that never come out
There are many hidden secrets that are not revealed or discovered.
All the things that we do and the things that we say
Our actions and words have consequences and can cause harm or do good.
in this stupid little game called life we play
Life can be seen as a pointless game that we are all forced to participate in.
I don't want to hurt you so I don't want to know
To prevent causing pain to others, I prefer to remain ignorant about their affairs.
what you're thinking about and where you're going to go
I do not want to know your thoughts or future plans.
I don't want to stick my nose in anybody's affairs
It is not my business to interfere with or pry into someone else's matters.
I don't want to know and who cares
I do not care to know the details or secrets of anyone else.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind