About the song
The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” is a sonic masterpiece that captures the spirit of a tumultuous era. Released in 1969 as part of their iconic album Let It Bleed, this track is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul.
Penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Gimme Shelter” is a powerful reflection of the social and political unrest of the late 1960s. The song’s lyrics delve into themes of chaos, violence, and the search for refuge, mirroring the anxieties and fears that plagued society at the time.
The track’s haunting introduction, featuring the soulful vocals of Merry Clayton, sets a somber and foreboding tone. Clayton’s performance adds a layer of intensity and emotional depth to the song, complementing Jagger’s lead vocals and the band’s driving instrumentation. The interplay between the two vocalists creates a sense of tension and urgency that mirrors the chaotic world depicted in the lyrics.
“Gimme Shelter” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, reaching number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Its raw energy and emotional depth have made it a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances and a beloved classic in the rock and roll canon.
As we listen to “Gimme Shelter,” we are reminded of the power of music to reflect and shape the world around us. The song’s message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity continues to resonate with listeners today, serving as a reminder of the enduring human spirit.
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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