Proto-Punk

The song “Hungry” was written by the husband and wife team of music business power players Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It was produced by Terry Melcher, who was the son of Doris Day and trombonist Al Jorden. Melcher was of the pioneers of the “California Sound” and West Coast rock music. What the singer of the song wants are “good things” and “the sweet life.” Although, exactly what riches the singer covets aren’t stated explicitly — except to have her with him so they can be alone in a special high place. In 1966, the single “Hungry” rose to #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. “Hungry” was also on their album released at the end of 1966 titled The Spirit of ’67. The song was covered by Sammy Hagar.

Paul Revere & The Raiders formed in Boise, Idaho, by organist Paul Revere Dick. At this point, they were Drake Levin (lead guitar, backing vocals), Mark Lindsay (lead vocals, saxophone), Paul Revere (keyboards), Michael “Smitty” Smith (drums), and Phil “Fang” Volk (bass guitar), and Jim “Harpo” Valley (guitar).

Here are the lyrics to “Hungry” by Paul Revere and The Raiders:

Girl you got this need to know what I’m all about
There is something that you dig you can’t figure out
Well, now you wanna know what moves my soul
And what ticks inside of my brain
But I’ve got this need I just can’t control and it’s
A-drivin’ me insane, I can’t take it

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 could almost taste it
It’s sweet as wine

There’s a custom-tailored world that I wanna own someday
With a special place up high where 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, girl, you
You gotta understand
It’s my way of gettin’ what I want now, ’cause I’m hungry

Yes, I’m hungry for those good things, baby
Hungry through and through
Well, I’m hungry for that sweet life, baby
With a real fine girl like you

I can almost taste it now
Oh, it’s sweet as wine

Ain’t gonna waste it now
When it’s finally mine

Gonna live each minute, fill the hours and days
‘Til I’ve had my fill, girl, I’ll be rollin’ in it
Yes, yes, you know I will, yes I will

‘Cause 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

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”

For other songs by Paul Revere and The Raiders: “Kicks” and “Just Like Me.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Hungry” by Paul Revere and The Raiders