I'm Hungry
Alice Cooper
The Dark Appetite of Desire in Alice Cooper's 'I'm Hungry'
Alice Cooper's song 'I'm Hungry' delves into the darker aspects of human desire and predation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character driven by insatiable hunger, not just for food, but for something more sinister. The repeated phrase 'I'm hungry' serves as a metaphor for an unquenchable thirst for control, power, and perhaps even violence. The character's 'head full of faces' and 'heart full of pain' suggest a troubled mind, haunted by past experiences or inner demons, which fuel his dangerous cravings.
The song's imagery is both vivid and disturbing. Lines like 'I got some bad ideas feeding my brain' and 'I got a night full of promise, a city full of prey' indicate a predatory nature, where the city becomes a hunting ground. The character's charm and allure are tools for manipulation, as seen in 'I got an eye for the beauties and a mouth full of charm.' The mention of 'a tongue dripping poison tattooed on my arm' further emphasizes the toxic and harmful intentions lurking beneath the surface.
The chorus, with its repetitive 'Gimme gimme gimme,' underscores the relentless and demanding nature of the character's desires. The lyrics 'Something soft and tender... how 'bout you?' take a chilling turn, suggesting a predatory and possibly violent intent towards others. The references to 'a bed in my basement fit for two' and 'chloroform and handcuffs just for you' add a layer of horror, hinting at abduction and imprisonment. Alice Cooper, known for his theatrical and often macabre style, uses this song to explore themes of obsession, control, and the darker side of human nature, wrapped in a rock and roll package that is both captivating and unsettling.