Paul Revere & The Raiders – Hungry

About the Song

In the pantheon of 1960s rock, Paul Revere & The Raiders carved out a distinctive niche with their raw energy, rebellious spirit, and knack for crafting unforgettable tunes. One of their standout tracks, “Hungry,” released in 1966, captures the essence of their appeal—gritty, driving, and unapologetically bold. A quintessential garage rock anthem, the song is both a showcase of the band’s musical prowess and a reflection of the era’s shifting cultural landscape.

From the very first notes, “Hungry” demands attention with its relentless rhythm and commanding guitar riff, setting the stage for an exhilarating ride. Mark Lindsay’s dynamic vocals burst forth with a mix of swagger and desperation, perfectly embodying the song’s themes of ambition and desire. The lyrics, co-written by hitmakers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, speak to a hunger—not just for love, but for more out of life. Lines like “I want the world and I want it now” resonate with a restless energy that defined a generation eager to break free from convention.

Musically, the song exemplifies the band’s ability to fuse rock ‘n’ roll with the burgeoning sounds of proto-punk and garage rock. The pounding drums, infectious bassline, and sharp, cutting guitar riffs drive the track forward with an unrelenting force. Add to this the brash, almost sneering delivery of the chorus, and you have a track that refuses to be ignored. It’s aggressive yet melodic, rebellious yet catchy—a perfect storm that cemented the band’s place in rock history.

“Hungry” wasn’t just a commercial success, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100—it was a cultural moment. It reflected the restless spirit of the 1960s youth, capturing the desire for freedom and individuality that permeated the decade. The song also highlighted Paul Revere & The Raiders’ ability to blend sharp-edged rock with mainstream appeal, making them pioneers in a sound that would influence countless bands in the years to come.

Decades later, “Hungry” remains a high-octane classic, a testament to the raw power and enduring appeal of Paul Revere & The Raiders. It’s a song that doesn’t just ask for your attention—it demands it, delivering a three-minute jolt of unfiltered rock energy that still feels as vital and urgent today as it did in 1966. Whether rediscovered on a retro playlist or blasting through vintage speakers, “Hungry” continues to feed the appetite for timeless rock ‘n’ roll.

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Lyrics: Hungry

Girl you got this need to know what I’m all about
There was something that you dig you can’t figure out
Now you want to know what moves my soul
And what dips inside of my brain
Well I got this need I just can’t control
And it’s driving me insane

I can’t take it, ow, because I’m
Hungry for those good things baby
Hungry through and through
I’m hungry for that sweet life baby
With a real fine girl like you
I can almost taste it baby
And it’s sweet as wine

There’s a custom-tailored world that I want to own, someday
With a special place of hiding we can stay alone, you and me
Girl I’m gonna’ have it all someday if you’ll just hang on to my hand
If I break some rules along the way, you gotta’ understand
It’s my way of gettin’ what I want now, ’cause I’m hungry

Well I ain’t gonna’ waste it now
When it’s finally mine
Gonna’ live each minute, bill the often days
‘Til I’ve had my fill, ah girl I’ll be rollin’ in it
Yes, yes you know I will, yes I will, wahhh!

I can’t take it, ow, because I’m
Hungry for those good things baby
Hungry through and through
I’m hungry for that sweet life baby
With a real fine girl like you
I can almost taste it baby
And it’s sweet as wine