Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike” is more than just a song about literal hunger. While the lyrics paint vivid pictures of societal disparity with lines like “farming babies, while the slaves are all working,” delving deeper reveals a far more personal and profound meaning.
The song emerged from a pivotal moment for Soundgarden, as Chris Cornell explained. As one of the first Seattle bands attracting major label attention, they faced a bidding war. This dream scenario also brought anxieties. Cornell articulated the band’s internal conflict: “We were living our dream, but there was also this mistrust over what that meant. Does this make us a commercial rock band? Does it change our motivation when we’re writing a song and making a record?”
“Hunger Strike” became Cornell’s declaration of artistic integrity. He stated, “Hunger Strike’ is a statement that I’m staying true to what I’m doing regardless of what comes of it, but I will never change what I’m doing for the purposes of success or money.” The lyrics, “bread from the mouths of decadence,” and “I can’t feed on the powerless when my cup’s already overfilled,” reflect this struggle. It’s a metaphorical hunger strike against compromising their artistic vision for commercial gain.
This internal battle was characteristic of the 90s music scene, particularly in Seattle, where authenticity reigned supreme. The prospect of mainstream success created a push-and-pull for “indie” bands unsure if they wanted to embrace fame and fortune if it meant sacrificing their core values.
Ultimately, “Hunger Strike” is an anthem about resisting the temptation to “sell out.” It’s a powerful statement about staying true to oneself and one’s art, even when faced with the allure of wealth and fame. Whether sticking to this commitment would have led to greater happiness, as the original article suggests, remains an open question, but the song’s message of artistic integrity continues to resonate.
