Gimmie Shelter
The 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 Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” is a song that tells of the fear and desperation that arises during times of crisis. The repeated refrain “War, children, it’s just a shot away” can be seen as both a literal and metaphorical statement. The song includes imagery of a storm, fires sweeping through the streets, and floods threatening the singer’s life, all of which symbolize the chaos and violence of war. The lines “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away” add to the sense of danger and urgency in the song.
The final part of “Gimme Shelter” moves away from the violence and fear and instead offers the hope of love and connection. The repetition of “it’s just a kiss away” suggests that despite the dangers and chaos, there is still the possibility of love and unity to overcome.
Overall, “Gimme Shelter” is a powerful commentary on the effects of war and the human yearning for safety, love, and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, a storm is threat'ning
I am facing a serious problem or danger
My very life today
I fear for my existence
If I don't get some shelter
If I don't find safe haven
Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
I will surely die or become weak
War, children, it's just a shot away
War is imminent, it's just a moment away from happening
It's just a shot away
The violence can erupt anytime
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin'
I can see the destruction happening before me
Our very street today
It's happening in our own neighborhood
Burns like a red coal carpet
The flames are intense and everywhere
Mad bull lost its way
There is chaos and violence with no clear direction or aim
Rape, murder!
There is a high risk of sexual assault and killing
Rape, murder yeah!
Sexual assault and killing is very likely
The floods is threat'ning
Another serious danger looms on me
Gimme, gimme shelter
Please help me find refuge from danger
Or I'm gonna fade away
Otherwise I'll perish
I tell you love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Love can bring us together and end all this chaos
It's just a kiss away
Love is all we need, and it's closer than we think
Kiss away, kiss away
Let's embrace love and put an end to this violence and danger
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....