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
breakOUT
Clawfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It takes a laugh or two go with your heart and free your mind
Don't try to be adult it doesn't lead to anywhere
It's no one elses fault your own emotions make you scared
Just face the fool in you and let that sucker slip on out
Don't try to play it cool that's not what life should be about
It only takes a smile and suddenly you've dropped your gaurd
Breakout, embrace the child inside you
Take off that mask and show your face
Breakout and face the world around you
Wake up and cut straight to the chase
You're chasing waterfalls instead of racing up the stream
Just make the most of life and live out all your wildest dreams
Just let the fuckers out let go of everything you've got
Instead of waasting time by being someone that you're not
You're place is here and now don't let nobody grind you down
You can't be ridiculed don't be afraid to be a clown
Let go of all your pride and find your way down to the core
A stuck up attitude turns you into a crashing bore
Chorus
The lyrics to Clawfinger's song Breakout promote the idea of embracing the child within oneself and living life to the fullest without inhibitions. The first stanza encourages the listener to let their inner child shine and not be afraid to show their emotions. The second stanza encourages the listener to let go of any masks or pretenses and be themselves, even if it means being a little foolish or playful. The chorus repeats the idea of breaking out of one's shell and facing the world with authenticity and bravery.
The song seems to be targeted towards individuals who may feel restrained or held back by societal norms or expectations. It encourages them to break free from these constraints and live life on their own terms. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of urgency and passion, urging the listener to take action and make the most of their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Embrace the child in you don't hesitate to let him shine
Don't suppress your inner child, let it come out and express itself.
It takes a laugh or two go with your heart and free your mind
Laughing and following your heart can help to ease your mind and calm your spirit.
Don't try to be adult it doesn't lead to anywhere
Trying too hard to be a grown-up has no real benefit and may even hinder your personal growth.
It's no one elses fault your own emotions make you scared
The source of your fear lies within yourself, and blaming others won't solve the problem.
Just face the fool in you and let that sucker slip on out
Don't be afraid to show your silly, foolish side and let go of your inhibitions.
Don't try to play it cool that's not what life should be about
Don't pretend to be something you're not in order to impress others, that's not true authenticity.
It only takes a smile and suddenly you've dropped your gaurd
A genuine smile can break down barriers and help you connect with others in a more open and vulnerable way.
And made another friend it doesn't have to be so hard
Making friends can be as easy as being yourself and connecting with others on a genuine level.
Breakout, embrace the child inside you
Break free from your inhibitions and embrace your playful, creative, and spontaneous inner child.
Take off that mask and show your face
Don't hide behind a persona, show your true self to the world.
Breakout and face the world around you
Break out of your fears and face the world around you with a sense of courage and positivity.
Wake up and cut straight to the chase
Stop wasting time and get to the point, start living life to the fullest.
You're chasing waterfalls instead of racing up the stream
Stop pursuing unrealistic or unattainable goals, and focus on more achievable and fulfilling ones.
Just make the most of life and live out all your wildest dreams
Seize the day and make the most of every opportunity to fulfill your greatest aspirations and desires.
Just let the fuckers out let go of everything you've got
Release your inhibitions and let go of your fears and insecurities.
Instead of waasting time by being someone that you're not
Stop pretending to be someone you're not, and start embracing your true self.
You're place is here and now don't let nobody grind you down
Find your place in the present moment, and don't let anyone bring you down or discourage you from pursuing your dreams.
You can't be ridiculed don't be afraid to be a clown
Don't be afraid of being judged or ridiculed for expressing your true self, even if it means being a little silly or unconventional.
Let go of all your pride and find your way down to the core
Release your ego and connect with your innermost self, your true identity which lies beneath the surface.
A stuck up attitude turns you into a crashing bore
Having a pretentious, arrogant attitude makes you uninteresting and unappealing to others.
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.