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
Out To Get Me
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They won't forget me, They'll get me in their grip and sweat me
They'll wait me out, and then move in under my skin
They'll make me doubt, They're out to make me let them in
I can't escape them, there's nowhere I can run and hide
Make one mistake and, that's when they work their way inside
They'll try and take me, they'll break me down and suck me dry
They're out to get me
I want to leave but they won't let me out
They're out to get me
I want to leave but they won't let me out
They won't forget me
They'll get you in their grip and sweat me out
They're out to get me
I want to leave but they won't let me out
They're gonna hit me, cuff me up and then bullshit me
Then they'll outwit me, dress me up and make it fit me
They'll lock the door now, Keep it shut and throw away the key
They'll turn the lights out, What no one knows, nobody sees
Chorus
The lyrics of Clawfinger's song "Out To Get Me" describe the feeling of being trapped and pursued by external entities that are determined to control, manipulate, and destroy the singer. The verses showcase the singer's fear of being caught and engulfed by these unknown malevolent forces who won't spare him. The rhetorical question that arises here is whether the singer is falling in the clutches of a human or some abstract entity such as anxiety or fear.
The chorus of the song highlights the singer's determination to break free from these chains and escape the wrath of his captors, which at this point seems like a difficult task to accomplish. The lyrics also indicate that the captors are trying to shape the singer's mind and make him feel helpless and worthless. The song's title suggests some external persecution or paranoia that might be consuming the singer's psyche.
Overall, the lyrics of "Out To Get Me" portray a sense of hopelessness and resentment towards those who wish to subjugate or control us. The song reflects Clawfinger's style of telling stories, highlighting issues, and raising questions through music.
Line by Line Meaning
They're out get me, I can't escape 'cause' they won't let me
I am being targeted and pursued by someone or something that is preventing me from escaping their clutches.
They won't forget me, They'll get me in their grip and sweat me
My pursuers are persistent and will not rest until they have captured me and subjected me to their will.
They'll wait me out, and then move in under my skin
My pursuers are patient and will bide their time until they can infiltrate my life and subjugate me to their control.
They'll make me doubt, They're out to make me let them in
My pursuers will use deceit and manipulations to make me doubt my own abilities and push me to accept their influence over me.
I can't escape them, there's nowhere I can run and hide
No matter where I seek refuge, my pursuers will find me and continue their pursuit of me.
Make one mistake and, that's when they work their way inside
My pursuers are always seeking opportunities to exploit my weakness and use it to their advantage to gain control over me.
They'll try and take me, they'll break me down and suck me dry
My pursuers will use all means possible to strip me of my resources and leave me powerless and destitute.
I can't' let them shape me, they'll make me up and make me cry
I must resist the control of my pursuers and refuse to surrender my identity and dignity to their manipulation and influence.
They're gonna hit me, cuff me up and then bullshit me
My pursuers will use violence and deception to subdue me and subject me to their whims.
Then they'll outwit me, dress me up and make it fit me
My pursuers will use their intelligence and cunning to entrap me and force me to comply with their demands.
They'll lock the door now, Keep it shut and throw away the key
My pursuers will imprison me and deny me any escape from their control.
They'll turn the lights out, What no one knows, nobody sees
My pursuers will use secrecy and darkness to cover up their actions and prevent any evidence of their wrongdoing from coming to light.
Chorus
Repeating the message that my pursuers are determined to catch me and subject me to their control, and that I cannot escape their pursuit.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARD SVERRE TORSTENSEN, ERLEND OTTEM, JOCKE SKOG, ZAK NIKOLAS TELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zarazaglaza
I just can't believe this is your official channel and there's like 500-1000 views on each video, given that you're one of the greatest bands ever!
glen knapke
You cant beat RUSSIA
LeadMe2TheBliss
Clawfinger is amazing!
Саша Воробьев
Элитарное искусство не может быть массовым. Годнота
гия мармеладзе
сказал как боженька
Banac Miodrag
Been listening to Clawfinger since I was 16, now im 32 and still digging their music. Peace!
Egor Egor
Big ups from cold Russia, Clawfinger! Your songs give me the kicks I need 🔥
Bibytom863 Art of war 3
@sakhDoc дя
sakhDoc
@Bibytom863 Art of war 3 +1. песня до сих пор в плейлисте спустя столько лет
Джон Коннор
Я Вася!!!!!кто меня спрашивал?????