He had met and was encouraged by Bill Lowery, an Atlanta music publisher and radio personality. He began his recording career in Atlanta with National Recording Corporation, where he served as staff guitarist along with other NRC artists Ray Stevens and Jerry Reed. South's earliest recordings have been re-released by NRC on CD.
South's compositions have been recorded by many artists. They include Billy Joe Royal's hits "Down in the Boondocks" and "Hush" (later a hit for Deep Purple and Kula Shaker), the Osmonds' hit "Yo-Yo," and Elvis Presley's Las Vegas-era version of "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", also recorded by Bryan Ferry and Coldcut. South's most commercially successful composition is Lynn Anderson's 1971 country/pop monster hit "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden", which was a hit in 16 countries worldwide. Lynn Anderson won a Grammy Award for her vocals and South won a Grammy Award for writing the song. South would go on to write more hits for Anderson such as, "How Can I Unlove You" (Billboard #1) and "Fool Me" (Billboard #3).
South was also a prominent sideman, recording the memorable guitar part on Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools", Tommy Roe's "Sheila" as well as appearing on Bob Dylan's album Blonde on Blonde. He also played the electric guitar part that was added to Simon & Garfunkel's first hit, "The Sound of Silence".
The suicide of his brother, Tommy, drove South into a deep depression.[citation needed] Tommy had been his backing band's drummer and accompanied South not only in live performances, but also on recording sessions when South produced hits for other artists, including Billy Joe Royal, Sandy Posey, and Friend & Lover.
South was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1979.
In 1988 Dutch DJ, Jan Donkers, interviewed South for VPRO-radio. The radio show that aired the interview also played four new songs by South, but a new record was not released.
In 1994 South played several concerts in England.
On 13 September 2003 South was inducted into Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and played together with Buddy Buie, J.R. Cobb and Chips Moman at the induction ceremony.
Shelter
Joe South Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your faith and hope decreases
Not one true friend can be found
And your dreams fall to pieces
I'm gonna prove that it's all worthwhile
Turn every teardrop into a smile
Just let my love (Love be your shelter)
Whoa, whoa, yeah (Love be your shelter)
And it'll be all right (Be all right)
I'll put a roof up over your head
And three meals on the table
Dry every teardrop that you shed
Long as I'm alive and I'm able
When you need me, darlin' I'll understand
Just reach out now, take my hand
And let my love (Love be your shelter)
Let it be your shelter (Love be your shelter)
Whoa, yeah (Love be your shelter)
It'll be all right (Be all right)
Let it be your shelter
When you're lost and you can't find your way
Let it be your shelter
To protect you each and every day
When your troubles get so hard to bear
And you wonder now does anybody care?
Just let my love (Love be your shelter)
When you're all alone and blue, baby (Love be your shelter)
And you don't know what to do, whoa (Love be your shelter)
It'll be all right (Be all right)
Let it be your shelter
When you're lost and you can't find your way
Let it be your shelter
To protect you each and every day
When you need me, I'll understand
Just reach out now, take my hand
Let my love (Love be your shelter)
I'll be right there beside you (Love be your shelter)
To protect you every night (Love be your shelter)
It'll be all right (Be all right)
You ought to let my love (Love be your shelter)
Be your shelter, baby (Love be your shelter)
Oh, yeah (Love be your shelter)
It'll be all right (Be all right)
When there's storm clouds above you (Love be your shelter)
You don't know what to do (Love be your shelter)
Call my name (Love be your shelter)
And it'll be all right (Be all right)
Ring my number (Love be your shelter)
Let me be, baby (Love be your shelter)
Let our love be your shelter (Love be your shelter)
It'll be all right (Be all right)
The song “Shelter” by Joe South is a ballad that speaks about being someone's emotional support system during tough times. The lyrics of the song convey the message that when everything seems to be falling apart, and there is nobody else to turn to, the singer promises to be a refuge for the person they love. They offer to provide a roof, food, and emotional support. The chorus suggests that love can be the ultimate shelter during difficult times. It's a connection that can enable one to feel protected and at ease.
The lyrics carry a sense of warmth and security, like a blanket on a cold night. The song tells a story of a person who is feeling lost, scared, and alone, and the singer is there to offer them a safe haven. The song's message is incredibly powerful and relevant, reminding listeners of the importance of support during extreme hardship.
The song has a simple melody, but it's full of emotive power, with the vocal presence of Joe South serving as a reminder that love is all anyone needs to survive the storm. Overall, “Shelter” inspires people to reach out for help during moments of distress and encourages everyone to be a source of comfort and support to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
When this old world has got you down
When life becomes difficult and overwhelming
And your faith and hope decreases
When you feel like you're losing faith and hope
Not one true friend can be found
When you feel lonely and have no one to turn to
And your dreams fall to pieces
When your hopes and aspirations are shattered
I'm gonna prove that it's all worthwhile
I will show you that your struggles are worth it
Turn every teardrop into a smile
I will make you happy again and turn your sadness into joy
Just let my love (Love be your shelter)
My love will protect you and keep you safe
Let it be your shelter (Love be your shelter)
Let my love be your refuge
Whoa, whoa, yeah (Love be your shelter)
Acknowledging the power and strength of love
And it'll be all right (Be all right)
Everything will be okay
I'll put a roof up over your head
I will provide you with a home and shelter
And three meals on the table
I will make sure you have enough to eat
Dry every teardrop that you shed
I will comfort you and wipe away your tears
Long as I'm alive and I'm able
I will always be there for you
When you need me, darlin' I'll understand
I will be there to support you and listen to you
Just reach out now, take my hand
Don't hesitate to ask for help, I am here for you
When you're lost and you can't find your way
When you feel confused and directionless
To protect you each and every day
I will keep you safe and secure all the time
When your troubles get so hard to bear
When your problems become too much to handle
And you wonder now does anybody care?
When you question if anyone cares about you
I'll be right there beside you (Love be your shelter)
I will always be there to support and protect you with my love
Let me be, baby (Love be your shelter)
Let me take care of you and be there for you
When there's storm clouds above you (Love be your shelter)
When there are problems and obstacles in your life
You don't know what to do (Love be your shelter)
When you feel lost and clueless
Call my name (Love be your shelter)
Reach out to me and I will help you
And it'll be all right (Be all right)
Everything will be okay
You ought to let my love (Love be your shelter)
You should allow me to love and care for you
Be your shelter, baby (Love be your shelter)
Let my love be your safe haven and protection
Ring my number (Love be your shelter)
Call me whenever you need me
Let our love be your shelter (Love be your shelter)
Let the love we share keep you safe and secure
It'll be all right (Be all right)
Everything will be okay
Writer(s): Harris Brian Steven, Jolley Anna Catherine Mary, Jolley Mark
Contributed by Mackenzie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.