Gimme Shelter
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
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Ooo
Ooo, a storm is threatenin', my very life today
If I don't get some shelter, oh 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
Ooo, see the fire sweeping up every street today
Burns like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost it's 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, 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
Ooo, a storm is threatenin' my very life today
If I don't get some shelter, oh 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 said a 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, kiss away, kiss 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
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
Love sister, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away
Love sister, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away
War children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
Love sister, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away
War children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
The song "Gimme Shelter" by Grand Funk Railroad describes a world filled with violence, war, and danger where the singer feels like he is on the verge of losing his life. The repeated phrase "War children, it's just a shot away" emphasizes the sense of impending violence and destruction that hangs over the world. The storm threatening the singer's life may be a metaphor for the chaos and turmoil that is taking place around him, and the need for shelter becomes a desperate plea for safety and protection against a world gone mad.
The line "See the fire sweeping up every street today, burns like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost its way" is a graphic depiction of the destruction that war and violence bring. The red coal carpet may be a reference to the bloodshed that is sweeping through the streets, while the mad bull lost its way could symbolize the chaos and confusion that surround the violence.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it is a commentary on the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time the song was written. The lyrics speak to the fear and uncertainty felt by many young people who were facing the prospect of being drafted to fight in a war they did not believe in. The repeated refrain of "War children, it's just a shot away" may be a reference to the random violence and death that came with serving in combat.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooo
A sound used to emphasize the dire situation described in the lyrics.
Ooo, a storm is threatenin', my very life today
A metaphor for the chaos and unrest happening around the singer in the present moment.
If I don't get some shelter, oh I'm gonna' fade away
The singer needs protection from the surrounding danger or he won't survive.
War children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
The threat of violence and death is imminent, and just one misstep could trigger it all.
Ooo, see the fire sweeping up every street today
The violence and chaos is escalating and consuming everything in its path.
Burns like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost it's way
The violence is unstoppable, like a wildfire or a stampeding beast.
Rape, murder, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
The horrors of these crimes are just as close as the violence, and they are also likely to happen at any moment.
Ooo, a storm is threatenin' my very life today
The metaphorical storm continues to threaten the artist's existence.
I said a love sister, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away
Amidst all the violence and chaos, love and companionship could be the only hope for survival.
War children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
The repetition of this line emphasizes how precarious the situation is.
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
Repetition continues to drive home the point that one misstep or one act of violence could set off a chain reaction of destruction.
Love sister, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away
The hope for love and peace continues to shine through, even in the darkest of times.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind