The song “Hunger Strike” is a collaborative effort between two of the most iconic voices in rock music history, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. This song was released in 1991 as a part of the album “Temple of the Dog”.
Background
The album “Temple of the Dog” was created in memory of Chris Cornell’s close friend, Andrew Wood, who passed away in 1990. Andrew was the singer for the band Mother Love Bone, which was a part of the Seattle music scene that eventually became known as grunge.
Following Andrew’s death, Chris Cornell wrote the songs for the album and invited members of Mother Love Bone to participate. Eddie Vedder, who was not yet a household name, contributed vocals to the song “Hunger Strike”.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Hunger Strike” touch on themes of loneliness, desperation, and the yearning for connection. The song’s opening lines are:
“I don’t mind stealing bread from the mouths of decadence / But I can’t feed on the powerless when my cup’s already overfilled”
The chorus contains the iconic lines:
“I’m going hungry (x4) / Yeah”
Impact and Legacy
“Hunger Strike” became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song has since become a staple of rock radio and a symbol of the grunge era.
“Temple of the Dog” was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since become a cult classic. The album’s legacy has been cemented by the success of its members’ other projects. Chris Cornell went on to front Soundgarden and Audioslave, while Eddie Vedder became the lead singer of Pearl Jam.
In Conclusion
“Hunger Strike” remains a beloved song among rock fans and a testament to the talent of Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact of the grunge era and the power of music to connect people.
