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
Not even you
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do we spend so much time just refusing to agree
If you say you like something you know I'll say I don't
and when you want to do something that's fun you know I won't
Why is it always my turn to take care of this mess
I don't think it's fair to say I'm always doing less
You don't know what I do so I don't think you should moan
Nobody loves me like I do, not even you
Nobody needs me the way I do, not even you
Nobody knows what I'm going through, not even you
You always make me feel like everything I do is wrong
and things would be much easier if we could get along
but every time I criticize you you overreact
please don't tell me one more time that opposites attract
that has to be the biggest fucking lie I've ever heard
Don't tell me to shut my mouth I haven't said a word
You're the one that started it and you know that I know
so what's the use there's no excuse you know that no means no
chorus
Is there really any point in working this all out
all we ever do these days is fight and scream and shout
Maybe we should give it up and just call it a day
I can't think of anything I even want to say
I've done my share of caring and it isn't any good
I'm sick and tired of feeling like I've been misunderstood
so give me one good reason and I'll stay right here with you
I can't take another day I don't know what to do
Chorus
The song Not Even You by Clawfinger is a passionate expression of frustration and resentment in a relationship. The first verse highlights the singer's confusion and difficulty understanding their partner. They express the constant disagreement and the lack of a shared passion or interest. The second verse reveals the singer's frustration with carrying the weight of the relationship's problems and the feeling of unsupportiveness from their partner. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "not even you," emphasizes the singer's feeling of being alone and unsupported.
The third verse reflects the singer's doubt about the possibility of finding a way to resolve their issues, despite the acknowledgement of the ease that could come with some relief. The singer acknowledges their exhaustion from trying and feeling misunderstood and suggests that it might be time to move on. The last line suggests the singer's confusion about what to do next and conveys a sense of helplessness.
The lyrics of Not Even You are relatable, especially to those who have experienced similar conflicts with their significant others. The song is a reflection of how our relationships can sometimes demand and diminish us while leaving us with little or no support.
Line by Line Meaning
How come all the things you say just don't make sense to me
I don't understand the things you say and it confuses me.
Why do we spend so much time just refusing to agree
We argue too much and can't seem to come to an agreement.
If you say you like something you know I'll say I don't
I tend to disagree with your opinions and tastes.
And when you want to do something that's fun you know I won't
I often refuse to participate in activities that you find enjoyable.
Why is it always my turn to take care of this mess
I feel like I'm always the one cleaning up after you.
I don't think it's fair to say I'm always doing less
I disagree with the notion that I'm not contributing enough.
You don't know what I do so I don't think you should moan
You don't have a full understanding of my responsibilities, so you shouldn't complain.
And if you're so much better you can do it on your own
If you think you can handle everything better than me, go ahead and do it on your own.
Nobody loves me like I do, not even you
I love myself more than anyone else, including you.
Nobody needs me the way I do, not even you
I feel like I'm the only one who truly understands and meets my own needs.
Nobody knows what I'm going through, not even you
I feel like no one truly understands the struggles I'm going through, including you.
You always make me feel like everything I do is wrong
You tend to criticize me and make me feel like I can't do anything right.
And things would be much easier if we could get along
Our relationship would be simpler and less stressful if we could agree and work together.
But every time I criticize you you overreact
You tend to take my criticism too personally and respond negatively.
Please don't tell me one more time that opposites attract
I'm tired of hearing that people with different personalities make good partners.
That has to be the biggest fucking lie I've ever heard
I strongly believe that this statement is completely untrue.
Don't tell me to shut my mouth I haven't said a word
Don't try to silence me before I've had a chance to speak.
You're the one that started it and you know that I know
You initiated this argument and I'm aware of it.
So what's the use there's no excuse you know that no means no
There's no point in trying to convince me otherwise because I won't change my mind.
Is there really any point in working this all out
I'm questioning whether our relationship problems can even be resolved.
All we ever do these days is fight and scream and shout
Our communication has deteriorated and we often argue loudly.
Maybe we should give it up and just call it a day
Perhaps it's time for us to end our relationship and move on.
I can't think of anything I even want to say
I'm having trouble finding reasons to continue our relationship.
I've done my share of caring and it isn't any good
I feel like I've put in a lot of effort towards our relationship, but it hasn't helped.
I'm sick and tired of feeling like I've been misunderstood
I'm exhausted from constantly feeling like you don't understand me or my intentions.
So give me one good reason and I'll stay right here with you
If you can provide me with a compelling reason to continue our relationship, I'll stay.
I can't take another day I don't know what to do
I'm at my breaking point and can't handle the stress of our relationship anymore.
Chorus
Repetition of the main theme of the song and its title.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind