Gimme Shelter is a song by the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, released in 1969 as part of their album “Let It Bleed.” The song is renowned for its haunting lyrics and powerful musical arrangement, encapsulating the turbulent social and political climate of the late 1960s.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Gimme Shelter” ponder the conventional sense of concern and chaos amidst that era, noticeable by events such as the Vietnam War, civil rights fight and societal unrest. The lyrics paint a well focused picture of a world in turmoil, with references to violence, desperation despair and the search for shelter.
One of the most noticeable elements of the song is the guest ballad by Merry Clayton, whose soulful and fervent delivery adds depth and intensity to the trail. Her creepy cry of “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away, it’s just a shot away” has become iconic, bag the tension and fear of the times.
“Gimme Shelter” has experience as one of The Rolling Stones’ most powerful and evocative songs, reverberate with listeners across ancestors. Its themes of conflict and the quest for sanctuary continue to hold relevance, making it a timeless anthem for troubled times.
Lyrics
Ooh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Ooh yeah, I’m gonna fade away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin’
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost your way
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder yeah
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away, yeah
The floods is threatening
My very life today
Gimme, gimme shelter
Or I’m gonna fade away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
I tell you love, sister, it’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
Kiss away, kiss away