The band's original lineup consisted of Wayne Hussey (vocals, guitar), Craig Adams (bass), Simon Hinckler (guitar) and Mick Brown (drums). Hussey and Adams were formerly members of The Sisters of Mercy, Mick Brown was a former member of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Hickler was a former member of Artery and Pulp. Wayne Hussey has been the only constant member of the band.
The backbone of the band's catalogue consists of seven main albums (Gods Own Medicine, Children, Carved in Sand, Masque, Neverland, Blue, Aura and God Is A Bullet) with several complementing albums, compilations and other miscellaneous releases also in existence.
The Mission attracted a faithful following band of fans, known a 'Eskimos'. Gigs typically had an energetic mosh pit (prior to the term being coined) sustained by a lot of Eskimos.
Other bandmembers:
Mark Gemini Thwaite (guitar, 1992-1996, 1999-2000, 2006-2008)
Andy Cousin (bass, 1992-1996)
Rik Carter (keyboards, 1992-1998)
Scott Garrett (drums, 1999-2002)
Rob Holliday (guitar, 2001-2005)
Richard Vernon (bass, 2002-2008)
Richard Beesley (drums, 2002)
Steve Spring (drums, 2003-2008)
In October 2007, Wayne Hussey announced the band would split after a series of early 2008 concerts at Shepherds Bush Empire in London.
In 2010, it was announced that The Mission would reform to perform at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium on Halloween, 2011.
Hungry As The Hunter
The Mission Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She steals her way into your trust
And first you want her kiss and then you want her more
And then she'll have you crawling in the dust
Don't talk to me of sanctity, don't talk to me of love
She's hungry as the hunter and she's shooting for the thrill, yeah
She's hungry as the hunter, she shoots to kill, yeah
The swastika a grinning skull tattooed on your arm
The needle and the damage done
The heresy of romance with the lady in white
And the beautiful and damned die young
Don't count on me for sympathy, don't come to me for love
Don't talk to me of liberty, don't talk to me of love
She's hungry as the hunter and she's shooting for the thrill, yeah, yeah
She's hungry as the hunter, she shoots to kill, yeah, yeah
You've gone to the Devil, God rest your soul
A shot in your arm is like a knife in my back
Addiction to the lady coursing through your veins
She holds the whip, you love to crack
Don't talk to me of serenity, don't talk to me of love
Don't speak to me of divinity, don't speak to me of love
She's hungry as the hunter and she's prowling like the hound, yeah
She's hungry as the hunter, she'll track you down, get down
She's hungry as the hunter and she's shooting for the thrill, yeah, yeah
She's hungry as the hunter, she shoots to kill
The Mission's song "Hungry As The Hunter" is a tale of dangerous seduction and the aftermath of succumbing to its temptation. The lyrics describe a woman who is dressed as seduction, curious and cruel, who enters into the trust of her victim, and leaves them crawling in the dust. The song warns the listener not to speak of dignity, sanctity or love, for the "lady" is beyond that. She is "hungry as the hunter," shooting for the thrill of the chase, and shoots to kill her prey. The second verse describes the consequences of addiction and the embrace of darkness, with the imageries of a swastika, heroin abuse, and the "heresy of romance." The song cautions us against seeking sympathy, love or liberty from this predator, as she prowls and tracks us down.
Musically, the song has a driving beat, ominous guitar riffs, and intense vocals that match the urgency and danger of the lyrics. The use of religious and political symbols, along with the themes of addiction and dangerous seduction, add layers of meaning to the song, making it a cautionary tale with a universal appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Dressed as seduction, curious and cruel
She presents herself as an alluring and inquisitive figure, but with a hint of malice.
She steals her way into your trust
She gains your confidence in a deceitful, underhanded manner.
And first you want her kiss and then you want her more
Initially you desire her affection, but this increases to a consuming lust.
And then she'll have you crawling in the dust
She will take complete control over you, reducing you to a pitiful state.
Don't speak to me of dignity, don't speak to me of love
I have no interest in hearing about noble principles or romantic feelings.
Don't talk to me of sanctity, don't talk to me of love
I don't want to discuss holy or pure ideals, as they are irrelevant to me.
She's hungry as the hunter and she's shooting for the thrill, yeah
She has an insatiable desire for excitement and is willing to pursue it aggressively.
She's hungry as the hunter, she shoots to kill, yeah
Her pursuit of thrills can be deadly, as she will do whatever it takes to achieve them.
The swastika a grinning skull tattooed on your arm
You bear a symbol of hatred and death on your body.
The needle and the damage done
The drugs you've taken have caused severe harm to yourself and those around you.
The heresy of romance with the lady in white
Your unconventional relationship with the supposed embodiment of innocence is sacrilegious.
And the beautiful and damned die young
Those who pursue reckless lifestyles of indulgence and debauchery often meet an untimely demise.
Don't count on me for sympathy, don't come to me for love
I won't provide comfort or affection to someone who has brought such negativity upon themselves.
Don't talk to me of liberty, don't talk to me of love
I have no interest in hearing about personal freedom or feelings of affection.
She's hungry as the hunter and she's prowling like the hound, yeah
Her quest for thrills is an intense drive that resembles the relentless pursuit of a hunting animal.
She'll track you down, get down
If you catch her eye, she will pursue you with determination and will not back down.
She's hungry as the hunter and she's shooting for the thrill, yeah, yeah
Her cravings for excitement are overwhelming, and she is willing to take risks to satisfy them.
She's hungry as the hunter, she shoots to kill
Her pursuit of thrills can lead to extreme consequences, and she is not afraid to cause harm to achieve them.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liesel Hering Chamen
on Daddy's Going to Heaven Now
Anyone know the story behind this song?