Rock

Hunger Strike Chords

Temple of the Pilot Intermediate Key of E 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Guitar

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Ukulele

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Piano

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Banjo

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Mandolin

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.

Emtap to play

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Ctap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Em · G · D · A · C

Hunger Strike Chords – Harmonica

Temple of the Dog’s powerful grunge duet featuring Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.

Grunge Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with raw intensity. This is one of grunge’s most powerful songs — alternate between quiet, restrained verses and explosive chorus sections.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Verse 2

Em D C

I don’t mind stealing bread

D Em

From the mouths of decadence

Em D C

But I can’t feed on the powerless

D Em

When my cup’s already overfilled, yeah

Chorus

Am G

But it’s on the table

Em

The fire’s cooking

D

And they’re farming babies

Am G

While the slaves are all working

Em D

Blood is on the table

Am G

And the mouths are choking

Em D Em

But I’m going hungry

Bridge

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Em C

I’m going hungry

Am Em

I’m going hungry

Final Chorus

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G EmD

I don’t mind going hungry

Am G EmD

I don’t mind stealing bread

Am G Em

Going hungry

D Em

Hunger strike

Practice tip: The Em-D-C progression in the verse and Am-G-Em-D chorus are the main patterns. Practice the dynamic contrast between quiet verses and loud choruses — it’s what defines grunge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Hunger Strike"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, G, D, A and C.

Is "Hunger Strike" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Hunger Strike" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Hunger Strike"?

It was written by Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and released in 1991.