The lyrics of the song speak of seeking shelter from a coming storm, painting a picture of devastation and social apocalypse while also talking of the power of love:
“ 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"
The track was used to great effect in the Martin Scorses 1995 classic, 'Casino' adding period atmosphere as only great music can.
Gimme Shelter
Rolling Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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
@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.
@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....