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
Nothing Going On
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've become quite famous But I ain't got no heart
I've got expensive clothes and lots of money to waste
I've got the luxury lifestyle but I ain't got no taste
Nothing going on nothing going on
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
I know all the right people, I've got the perfect smile
I've got the worlds best timing, but I ain't got no style
I've got a great big mansion, I've got a beautiful wife
I've got a black Rolls Royce, but I've got no life
Nothing going on nothing going on
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
Nothing going on
Nothing going right, nothing going wrong
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
Nothing going on nothing going on
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
I've got a personal trainer, I ride a limousine
I've got a big bank account, but I ain't got no dreams
I've got a private plane, the best of everything
I've got a lifestyle to live, but no message to sing
Nothing going on nothing going on
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
Nothing going on
Nothing going right, nothing going wrong
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
Nothing going on nothing going on
I've got a whole lot of nothing
Nothing going on
Nothing going on
Nothing going on
Clawfinger's song "Nothing Going On" is a commentary on a person who has become successful but at the cost of their own integrity and values. The singer of the song, presumably a musician, has traveled the world and achieved fame and success, but at the cost of their own heart and taste. They have all the trappings of wealth and power, like expensive clothes, a big mansion, a beautiful wife, and a personal trainer, but they lack substance and individuality. They have no message to sing and focus solely on their image and celebrity status.
The repetition of the phrase "Nothing going on," drives home the idea that despite all their success, the singer's life lacks any real meaning or fulfillment. The singer is bored and unfulfilled, despite their lavish lifestyle, and it seems that they realize that they have become nothing more than an empty shell of a person. The song seems to be a warning against chasing fame and success at the cost of one's own identity and authenticity.
Overall, "Nothing Going On" is a poignant commentary on the pitfalls of chasing fame and success, and it serves as a reminder to prioritize our values and integrity in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been around the world I've got a hit in the charts
I have traveled around the world while my songs have become popular and well-liked
I've become quite famous But I ain't got no heart
Despite gaining fame and recognition, I lack emotional compassion and depth
I've got expensive clothes and lots of money to waste
I own high-priced clothing and have an excess of wealth, but I spend it carelessly
I've got the luxury lifestyle but I ain't got no taste
I live a luxurious lifestyle, yet I lack good judgment and refinement
Nothing going on nothing going on
I am in a state of stagnation and boredom
I know all the right people, I've got the perfect smile
I am acquainted with important individuals and have an attractive smile
I've got the worlds best timing, but I ain't got no style
I possess exceptional timing skills, but I lack finesse and elegance
I've got a great big mansion, I've got a beautiful wife
I own a huge mansion and am married to a stunning woman
I've got a black Rolls Royce, but I've got no life
Although I display a black Rolls Royce, my life has no meaning or purpose
Nothing going right, nothing going wrong
There's no growth or progress in my life, neither is there negativity or failures
I've got a personal trainer, I ride a limousine
I have a personal trainer to keep fit and stride in a limousine
I've got a big bank account, but I ain't got no dreams
Despite having a large sum of money, I lack aspirations and ambitions
I've got a private plane, the best of everything
I possess a private plane and obtain the best things available
I've got a lifestyle to live, but no message to sing
Although I have a luxurious lifestyle, I have nothing substantial to share or say
I've got a whole lot of nothing
My life is filled with emptiness, and it's not fulfilling in any way
Nothing going on
There's no excitement or progress in my life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Владимир Владимирович
Это одна из самых кайфовых песен всех времён! Оооууу еее! 🤘😎🤘
Reihotep
Fucking hell, the drive and energy of this song! That heavy bass, the drums, everything. And the message this one speaks; I get more respect for Clawfinger for each new track I hear.
Stanislav Stoimenov
Thank you, Clawfinger, for the memorable adolescence you gave me!
Shellshocked Radio
What a great song, I love it! I put it into my "Shellshocked Radio - Recommendations" List: https://youtu.be/QHN5iuuEVH4 Very well done!
Huane Gashone
Давно забытая, культовая группа
1986antrax
Забытой, но культовой группа не бывает:) Слушаем во всю!
Akira Herovato
Впервые услышал их песни на радио ультра
Михаил Галушко
Ничто не забыто. И Зак Телл не забыт. Такие банды в никуда не уходят.
Gich Gord
Каеф музон
HellAntony
@D D часто слушаю спустя много лет.)