Gimme Shelter
Keith Richards and The Expensive Winos Lyrics
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My very life today
If I don't get some shelter
Oh 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
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its 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 yea
The floods is threat'ning
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
The song Gimme Shelter by Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos is about the human condition and how people seek shelter in times of trouble, turmoil, and uncertainty. The opening lyrics "Oh, a storm is threat'ning, my very life today, if I don't get some shelter, oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away" represents the need for protection from the impending storm that threatens to take away the singer's life. The storm could be symbolic of the political, social, or economic upheavals that threaten to engulf people and make them feel helpless.
The chorus, "War, children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away" is a powerful message that conveys how war is always just one shot away. This is a reference to the ongoing conflict and violence that people have experienced throughout history. The lyrics highlight how war affects not only those involved in it but also innocent children, who are caught up in the chaos and devastation.
The words "Rape, murder! It's just a shot away" in the second verse conjure images of the brutality and savagery that are often associated with war. The singer, in a desperate plea, calls for shelter or else he'll fade away. The need for shelter, whether physical or emotional, is a human need that is universal and timeless.
Overall, the song's message is an appeal to humanity to seek shelter from the storms of life that threaten to diminish us. It is a call to action to help people in need and stand up for what is just and right.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, a storm is threat'ning
The singer feels threatened by an impending danger or change
My very life today
The danger is serious enough to threaten their wellbeing and existence
If I don't get some shelter
They require a safe haven or protection from the threat
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
Otherwise, they will perish or cease to exist
War, children, it's just a shot away
The conflict or violence is very close and can erupt anytime
It's just a shot away
The danger or damage can be caused by something as simple as a single shot or aggression
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
They witness the danger around them that can cause significant harm
Our very street today
The danger is so close that it is affecting their immediate surroundings or neighborhood
Burns like a red coal carpet
The visuals of the danger are striking and appear vividly in red
Mad bull lost its way
The danger or threat is comparable to a raging and disoriented bull
Rape, murder!
The specific dangers of sexual assault and homicide are mentioned as potential outcomes
Rape, murder yeah!
The dangers of sexual assault and homicide are emphatically repeated
The floods is threat'ning
A new danger in the form of flooding is presented
Gimme, gimme shelter
The singer is pleading for assistance or protection
Or I'm gonna fade away
The same consequence of perishing is stated if the help is not provided
I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Amidst all the danger and violence, there is still love and affection that can be shared
It's just a kiss away
The idea of love and caring is emphasized as an antidote to the chaos and danger
Kiss away, kiss away
The idea of kissing as an expression of love is repeated
Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH RICHARDS, MICK JAGGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mattleemattlee123
It's ALL about the vibe, and this has it in spades. Dark, driving, soulful...what more does one need? Love it!
@leeann4927
This is better than Micks version....Sarah Rocks it too
@donhanlon7121
Totally agree Mattleematlee123 my ultimate desert island disc love if they'd release it on Blu ray , by the way thanks for showing me round your Stones Museum in London after Hyde Park 2nd gig Mid July ( just as you were about to shut up shop heading to Amsterdam for the next show 2022 you might remember me the Irish guy with my wife and sister all big Keith fans🔥🎸💯👍🌟
@danielmeara9376
well said
@danielcleary3914
On the Money! Slowed down intro much closer to the original! You can really feel the power of this incredible song. Much better than recent live Stones. which I think is much too fast. Thanks Keith for bringing this song back to it’s roots.
@ROCK1910
HOW COULD ANYBODY NOT LIKE KEITH HE IS REAL NOT A FAKE
@kristabrakowski5307
I totally agree with you! Keith is the most amazing person I would ever want to talk to,hang with,etc..
@hacknroll3867
The beauty of Richards is in the imperfection of his genius!
@caroleevans2476
It’s called edgy
@richardyoung7415
AS THE SAYING GOES ALL GENIUS,S ARE FLAUD IN SOME WAY, KEEFA HAD HIS BACK IN THE DAY, BOOZE AND DRUG, HE WAS BRILLIANT BACK THEN NOWADAYS HE,S A GOD OF ROCK AND ROLL. LIVE LONG AND PROSPER MR RICHARDS. PEACE TO YOU ALL MY FRIEND'S.🙏✌️😎🏴