Hunger Strike is a song by the American rock band Temple of the Dog, which was released in 1991 as the lead single from their self-titled first appearance album. The band was formed as a eulogy to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of the Seattle-based band Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. Temple of the Dog featured members of two iconic grime bands: Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, as well as crag Gossard, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, and Matt Cameron.
The creation of “Hunger Strike” was somewhat serendipitous. Chris Cornell wrote the song throughout a period of mourning for Wood. The lyrics give back themes of poverty and offence, with the chorus highlighting the sentiment of sharing wealth and resources: “I’m going hungry.” Cornell initially at first intended to sing the song alone, but when Eddie Vedder, who was new to Seattle and Pearl Jam at the time, sang harmony throughout a rehearsal, Cornell was impressed by Vedder’s vocal donation and decided to turn the song into a duet.
“Hunger Strike” became the most well-known song from the Temple of the Dog project. It gained significant airplay on both radio and MTV, helping the album achieve platinum status. The collaboration between Cornell and Vedder, both of whom would become prominent figures in the grunge movement, remains a memorable and iconic moment in rock history. The song’s success also helped pave the way for Pearl Jam’s breakthrough, establishing them as a major force in the music industry.
Lyrics
I don’t mind stealin’ bread from the mouths of decadents
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 slaves are workin’
The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin’
But I’m goin’ hungry, yeah
I don’t mind stealin’ bread from the mouths of decadents
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 chokin’
But I’m goin’ hungry (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)
I’m goin’ hungry (goin’ hungry)
uh, I don’t mind
(No, I don’t mind stealin’ bread)
I’m goin’ hungry (goin’ hungry)
I’m goin’ hungry (goin’ hungry)