Hunger Strike

Pearl Jam · Other Songs - Pearl Jam

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

But it's on the table

The fire's cooking



And they're farming babies

And the slaves are all working

Blood is on the table

The mouths are chokin'



I'm going hungry

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

But it's on the table

The fire's cooking



And they're starving babies

And the slaves are all working

And it's on the table

The mouths are choking



I'm going hungry

Hunger Strike

Hunger Strike stands as a defining track from Pearl Jam's 1991 debut album, Ten. The song captures the raw energy and emotional intensity that characterized the band's early grunge era. Built around a driving rhythm and Eddie Vedder's distinctive, impassioned vocals, the recording explores themes of desperation and the struggle for survival. It remains a staple of the group's live performances, often serving as a powerful centerpiece that showcases their dynamic range. As part of a landmark album that helped define the sound of the early 1990s, the track exemplifies the band's ability to blend heavy rock instrumentation with poignant, introspective songwriting. Its enduring presence in their discography highlights the lasting impact of their initial work on the alternative rock landscape.