About the song
Released in 1969, “Gimme Shelter” is a seminal song by the iconic British rock band, The Rolling Stones. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song is a poignant reflection of the tumultuous times in which it was created. The song’s lyrics, which speak to the desperation and uncertainty of the era, are set against a backdrop of hauntingly beautiful music that has become synonymous with the band’s signature blues-rock sound.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the band’s 1969 tour, during which they were joined by American blues musician, Ry Cooder, and gospel singer, Merry Clayton. The impromptu jam session that resulted in “Gimme Shelter” was a turning point in the band’s career, marking a shift towards a more experimental and socially conscious sound.
The song’s lyrics, which were inspired by the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, capture the sense of chaos and disorder that characterized the late 1960s. The song’s title, “Gimme Shelter,” is a reference to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, in which God instructs Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family from the impending flood. In the context of the song, the lyrics are a desperate plea for protection and safety in a world that seems to be descending into chaos.
Musically, “Gimme Shelter” is a masterclass in tension and release. The song’s opening riff, played by Keith Richards, is a slow-burning, blues-inspired groove that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The addition of Ry Cooder’s slide guitar and Merry Clayton’s powerful vocals adds a layer of depth and complexity to the song, creating a sense of urgency and desperation that is unmatched in the band’s earlier work.
Over the years, “Gimme Shelter” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring songs, with its themes of social unrest and desperation continuing to resonate with listeners today. The song’s influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres, from rock and blues to hip-hop and electronic music. As a testament to the song’s enduring power, “Gimme Shelter” has been covered by countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
In conclusion, “Gimme Shelter” is a landmark song in The Rolling Stones’ discography, a powerful and poignant reflection of the tumultuous times in which it was created. With its hauntingly beautiful music and socially conscious lyrics, this song continues to captivate listeners to this day, cementing its place as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
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Lyrics
Oh, a storm is threat’ning
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade awayWar, 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 awayOoh, see the fire is sweepin’
Our very street today
Burns like a red coat carpet
Mad bull lost your wayWar, 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 awayRape, murder!
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot awayRape, murder!
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot awayRape, murder!
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot awayThe flood is threat’ning
My very life today
Gimme, gimme shelter
Or I’m gonna fade awayWar, 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 awayI 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