Gimmie 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
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 opening lines of The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" speak to a combination of fear and desperation as the lyrics suggest that the singer is being chased by a storm that threatens their very life. It suggests that the person needs shelter or they will literally "fade away." The lines "War, children, it's just a shot away/It's just a shot away" have been interpreted in many ways, but they seem to speak to the idea that war is always present, and just one shot away, meaning that the person believes the world's existence is constantly being threatened by the existence of war.
The song's second verse continues to depict destruction, this time through imagery of fire, and also mentions the loss of control in the form of a "mad bull lost its way." The song becomes even more alarming as the lyrics suggest that rape and murder are just one shot away, reinforcing the idea that danger is always present. The repetition of these lines suggests urgency and fear, as if the singer is trying to warn others to take heed of these threats.
The final verse finds the singer yet again asking for shelter, this time from floods. The repeated line that "it's just a shot away" suggests that no matter what form the danger comes in, it is always lurking and a threat to their life. The final lines of "Gimme Shelter" offer a more hopeful outlook, however. Although the world might be full of danger, love is always within reach and can offer protection to those who seek it.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, a storm is threat'ning
The current situation is dangerous
My very life today
This poses a threat to my very existence
If I don't get some shelter
Without help, I won't be able to survive
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
I will gradually disappear if I don't get help
War, children, it's just a shot away
A war is imminent and it's only a matter of time
It's just a shot away
The war is near and could happen anytime
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
There's chaos all around us
Our very street today
This chaos is taking place right where we live
Burns like a red coal carpet
The destruction is intense and vivid
Mad bull lost its way
The chaos is uncontrollable and unpredictable
Rape, murder!
Acts of violence have become common in this environment
It's just a shot away
An act of violence could happen anytime
Rape, murder yeah!
The danger is real
The floods is threat'ning
Another source of danger has emerged
Gimme, gimme shelter
I need protection to survive
Or I'm gonna fade away
Without that help, my survival is uncertain
I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Despite the danger, there's still potential for love and hope
It's just a kiss away
Love is possible even in the midst of chaos and danger
Kiss away, kiss away
Love can conquer all if we let it
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....