It was recorded… Read Full Bio ↴New model army 1993: Gimme Shelter (feat. Tom Jones)
It was recorded in early 1993,it was a charity record for the homeless charity "shelter"
Gimme Shelter
New Model Army & Tom Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
WRITERS MICK JAGGER, KEITH RICHARDS
Oh, a storm is threatening 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 It's just a shot away Ooh, see the fire is sweeping 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 (2x) Rape, murder! It's just a shot away (2x) Rape, murder! It's just a shot away (2x) The floods is threatening My very life today Give, give shelter Or I'm gonna fade away War, children, it's just a shot away It's just a shot away (4x) I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away It's just a kiss away (4x) Kiss away, kiss away
The song "Gimme Shelter" by New Model Army & Tom Jones, originally written and performed by The Rolling Stones, is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life and war. The opening line, "Oh, a storm is threatening my very life today," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is desperate for shelter, both physical and metaphorical, as he is faced with the harshness of the world. The repetition of the lyrics "War, children, it's just a shot away" is a haunting reminder of the ever-present threat of violence and destruction.
The second verse continues with vivid imagery of a fire sweeping through the streets like a red coal carpet, portraying a chaotic and apocalyptic scene. The lyrics "Rape, murder! It's just a shot away" are particularly haunting, emphasizing the brutality of war and the danger that people face every day. The call for shelter in the final verse is a plea for safety and security, as the floods threaten to wash away the singer's very life.
Overall, "Gimme Shelter" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the human experience and the need for safety and security. It reminds us of the harsh realities of life and the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, a storm is threatening
A turbulent situation is about to occur
My very life today
One's existence is at stake
If I don't get some shelter
Without help, one's survival is uncertain
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
In the absence of assistance or support, one will wither away
War, children, it's just a shot away
The constant threat of violence is always present
It's just a shot away
Violence could erupt at any moment
Ooh, see the fire is sweeping
A raging inferno is consuming everything in its path
Our very street today
The immediate vicinity is in danger
Burns like a red coal carpet
The flames are ferocious and unstoppable
Mad bull lost its way
Chaos and confusion reigns, similar to an enraged and directionless animal
Rape, murder!
Heinous crimes are a very real possibility
It's just a shot away (2x)
Violent acts can occur with little to no warning
The floods is threatening
A natural disaster is looming
Give, give shelter
Providing refuge is necessary
Or I'm gonna fade away
Without help, one's life may be lost
I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Hope for salvation and connection is within reach
It's just a kiss away (4x)
Love and connection can be the remedy to the turmoil and uncertainty of life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stevie Burke
NMA are 1 of the finest bands that the UK has ever had. And Mr.Jones is a legend.
Nightcrawler
..together with The Levellers, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon. :-)
Pinot79
Only Maiden will concur...but hey....that is not we are talking about...enjoy
pateris
On stage, M. Suvillan talked about this experience and confirmed what we would have guessed, Tom Jones is a doll of a man…
Gareth Thompson
One of my favourite songs of all time. Performed by one of the greatest unsung bands ever. An absolute stellar performance from Tom Jones balls out rock and roll. Beautiful.
Cattani1982
Honestly, one of the best covers I've ever heard. And I've heard many.
Pat Kelly
Covers Expert eh?
Hong Kong Beat
Tom is a Welsh icon and has always had such a fantastic voice. Just imagine if he had kept going with blues and rock instead of the middle of the road pop he put out... Just imagine him doing this in concert with the Stones back then...
Pat Kelly
HA good one
pateris
Good point, though of course, he probably would not have enjoyed the same success… I remember when I was a wee lad, one summer when you could not escape "Delilah", it was everywhere. (Not the worst song there is, mind you, but) So much that it became a sort of running gag with mee father !