Hunger Strike

Temple of the Dog

About Hunger Strike

"Hunger Strike" is a song by the American rock band Temple of the Dog. Written by vocalist Chris Cornell, "Hunger Strike" was released in 1991 as the first single from the band's sole studio album, Temple of the Dog (1991). It was Temple of the Dog's most popular song. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.


Year:
1991
4:03
1,694 
#3

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadence
But I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeah
But it's on the table, the fire's cookin'
And they're farmin' babies, while the slaves are all workin'
Blood is on the table and the mouths are all chokin'
But I'm goin' hungry, yeah

I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadence
But I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, uh huh
But it's on the table, the fire's cookin'
And they're farmin' babies, while the slaves are all workin'
And it's on the table, their mouths are all chokin'
But I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)

I'm goin' hungry (I'm goin' hungry)
I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)
I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)

I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)
I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)

(Yeah, I don't mind stealin' bread) uh I don't mind
(No, I don't mind stealin' bread)
I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)
I'm goin' hungry (Goin' hungry)

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Temple of the Dog

Temple of the Dog was an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. It was conceived by vocalist Chris Cornell of Soundgarden as a tribute to his friend, the late Andrew Wood, lead singer of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone. The line-up included Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, Jeff Ament on bass guitar (both ex-members of Mother Love Bone), Mike McCready on lead guitar, Matt Cameron on drums and Eddie Vedder providing lead and backing vocals. more »

1 fan

Written by: Christopher J Cornell

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Hunger Strike" is a song by the American rock band Temple of the Dog. It was written by band member Chris Cornell and was released separately as a single in 1992.
Band Composition
The band "Temple of the Dog" was a one-album project which consisted of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and members of Pearl Jam, including Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder.
Origin of the Song
The lyrical theme of "Hunger Strike" portrays a protest against societal inequality. Chris Cornell said he wrote the song to explore the theme of "stepping up to the plate to help those who can't help themselves."
Chris Cornell was Solo
Initially, Chris Cornell planned to sing the entire song himself, but he found his voice strained when he tried to hit the high notes during rehearsal sessions.
Eddie Vedder's Impact
Eddie Vedder, who had just joined Pearl Jam, was visiting the studio during one of the sessions. On hearing Chris Cornell's struggle, Vedder added some vocal lines creating the famous duet, which is now one of the defining aspects of the song.
Music Video
The music video of "Hunger Strike" was filmed at Discovery Park in Seattle, which helped solidify the band's ties to the city.
Commercial Success
Despite being released as a single in 1992, a year after the album's release, "Hunger Strike" became Temple of the Dog's most popular song. It reached the position of No.4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Posthumous Recognition
After Chris Cornell's tragic death in 2017, the song gained new attention and appreciation. It even re-entered the Billboard charts, showcasing Cornell's lasting legacy in the world of rock music.
Live Performances
Throughout their careers, both Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder performed "Hunger Strike" numerous times during solo concerts, honouring their collaboration and the song's message.
Enduring Appeal
Even decades after its release, "Hunger Strike" remains a favourite among fans of grunge music and is considered a staple of the genre. Its strong message of societal inequality coupled with an unforgettable melody ensure it continues to resonate with listeners.

Discuss the Hunger Strike Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Hunger Strike Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2768822/Temple+of+the+Dog/Hunger+Strike>.

    Missing lyrics by Temple of the Dog?

    Know any other songs by Temple of the Dog? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Hunger Strike

    84M
    446.4K     18,369

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "'Cause I still believe in your faithfulness, 'Cause I still believe in your ______"
    A youth
    B proof
    C truth
    D spoof

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Temple of the Dog tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!