Behind the Lyrics: Temple of the Dog - “Hunger Strike”

Welcome back to Behind the Lyrics. Recently, a new alternative rock station began in Dayton, Ohio. I noticed that this station continues to incorporate new alternative, but there has been a significant throwback to the grunge of the 90s. To be fair, I noticed this because if you listen to the calm, moodiness of alternative played on the radio now -- Noah Kahan for example -- compared to the edginess of the early 90s scene, you'll see how disjointed the radio station's selection can seem. 

However, it was the song "Hunger Strike" by Temple of the Dog that I really connected the choices of so many radio stations to continue to play 90s alternative hits even when the modern music sound doesn't connect well. Let's dive in.

Temple of the Dog - “Hunger Strike”

Well, 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 the former babies of slaves are all 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-uh, uh

But it's on the table, the fire's cookin'

And the former babies of 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)

Yeah, I don't mind stealin' bread (ooh, I don't mind)

No, I don't mind stealin' bread

I'm goin' hungry (goin' hungry)

I'm goin' hungry (goin' hungry, yeah)

This song came out in the year 1991. A lot was happening in the world -- the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War, The Balkins War, all the unjust apartheid laws in South Africa, and several natural disasters affecting different parts of the world. 

War, inflation, and violence all lead to instability and pain for the average person, but for those in power? It lines their pockets and inflates their ego. This is simply history. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUb450Alpps

Grunge came out of a time period in the 80s where bright colors and fun pop music tried to help people be positive and enjoy consumerism. Grunge pulled the rose-colored glasses off the masses and demanded that for every bright and shiny new toy, the consumers realize someone was suffering. 

"Hunger Strike" asks listeners to do just that. In the lines, "Well, 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". The narrator notes that instead of using those who already need, changes need to be made to take from those who can to help those who cannot. 

It continues to illustrate the pain and suffering caused by overconsumption in the lines, "And the former babies of slaves are all workin'

And it's on the table, their mouths are chokin'". No one is spared, especially the next generation.

Now, look at the world around us. Right now. Fast fashion is destroying lives and the environment. AI is destroying the environment and eroding humanity's critical thinking skills. There are wars, injustice, and violence still rampant now. 

And yes, there is a time and place for the type of alternative that focuses on the self and healing. Of course. But so many people are looking at the world now, and asking -- when will we wake up? Music enthusiasts are deep-diving into records to find music that resonates with the torrent of feelings they have. And the young people of now? The wonderful people I have the honor to teach? You'd be surprised how many aren't listening to much of the new, again choosing to focus on discovering music that truly represents how they see the world and how they feel about it. 

The young people are tired of "going hungry". Are you?