Gimme Shelter
Rolling Stones Lyrics


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Oh, a storm is threat'ning
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 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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Gimme Shelter" is just as powerful today as it was when it was first released in 1969. The song begins with fear and desperation with the singer terrified of the storm that is threatening his very life. He then invokes a universal symbol of safety -he desperately needs shelter, or he'll "fade away". The chorus then moves beyond the singer's personal crisis to encompass the terror and horror of the Vietnam War. Children are the most vulnerable during war, and the line "War, children, it's just a shot away" reminds us of this heartbreaking fact. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, building in intensity, and the music itself is haunting and unnerving.


The song's lyrics are bleak and apocalyptic, painting a picture of society breaking down in the face of violence, misogyny, and a disregard for human life. The verse “Rape, murder! It's just a shot away” references the Altamont Speedway Free Festival, which ended in violence and saw a spectator stabbed to death by a member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang. The festival was seen as the end of the peace and love era and a stark reminder of the danger of mass gatherings that would have a ripple effect on society. The final verse turns towards salvation with the singer asking for help to survive the impending natural disaster, and the chorus reassures us of the power of love.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, a storm is threat'ning
There is a violent storm approaching


My very life today
This storm could be life-threatening


If I don't get some shelter
If I don't find a safe place to go


Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
I will not survive the storm without shelter


War, children, it's just a shot away
War is just within reach, it's a looming threat


Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
There is a fire that is spreading quickly


Our very street today
The fire is on the same street I am on


Burns like a red coal carpet
The fire looks like a carpet of red coals


Mad bull lost its way
The fire is like a stampeding bull, out of control


Rape, murder!
Violent crimes are looming


It's just a shot away
They are very close to happening


Rape, murder yeah!
Violent crimes are definitely going to happen


It's just a shot away
They are still very close to happening


The floods is threat'ning
A flood is approaching


Gimme, gimme shelter
I need a place to stay safe


Or I'm gonna fade away
Without shelter, I will not survive


I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Love is close by and could make a difference


It's just a kiss away
Love could solve or ease the problems


Kiss away, kiss away
A kiss could make things better




Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michaellnbnj

Merry Clayton's voice crack on the word "murder" at 3:00 might be the best "happy accident" ever recorded. You can hear someone else in the studio react to it with a "Whoo." They knew it was a magical music moment.

@mmoran3

That was Mick yelling in approval as Merrys voice cracked. Afterwards said she would do it again and hit the note, Mick was like.. NO!.. THAT IS PURE GOLD!!!!!!.. It was at night and a pregnant Mary was literally in her hair curlers in the bed when the stones rep contacted her at home to do the song. Mary originally said no she wasn't getting out of her comfy bed. It was Mary's husband that convinced her to go, as it was paying good money. It being late at night and her being tired helped to contribute to one of the best voice cracks ever recorded.

@groovemachine2025

First time I noticed, now I will always look forward for this part

@brianbestel4279

Cheers Mike - great comment!. I think when she cracks the top note, there's an ultra high pitch note which pierces through exactly in tune - but way up to the ceiling. Mick hears it the moment. Diamond stuff.
I love the way she reminisces in this clip. https://youtu.be/ChONufP0FEs

@johnnyflorence219

This part always gives me goosebumps and the desire war cry. Badass part.

@Duocity

Most definitely the climax of the song. Every time I listen I wait for that single part.

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@lawrencenjawe9875

Gimme shelter has one of the most memorable opening riffs of any tracks in the history of rock. No doubt about it. HAUNTING!!!

@andymatthews7617

A FANTASTIC CLASSIC.

@wynditurner2826

True 🤗✌😎

@mcmanustony

and if you listen to it 4,536,544 times you finally figure out where the 1 is....

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