Gimme Shelter
Turbonegro Lyrics


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Oh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don't get some shelter
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

I see the fire is sweepin'
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost it's 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

ARGH!

Rape, murder!
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!
It's just a shot away
It's just a shot away

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

Love, sister, it's just a piss away
It's just a piss away
It's just a piss away
It's just a piss away




It's just a piss away
Piss away, piss away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Turbonegro's song Gimme Shelter speak about the uncertainty and danger that surrounds the singers' life. The first verse states that a storm is threatening the singer’s life and if they don't find shelter, they will fade away. This can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, the storm could be a natural disaster that the singer is seeking refuge from, or it could also represent the challenges and difficulties that the singer is facing in life. Metaphorically, the storm could represent the singer’s mental or emotional state, and the shelter they’re seeking could represent a safe space away from their problems.


The chorus, which is repeated throughout the song, states that war and violence are just a shot away, which creates a sense of foreboding and danger. The singer sees fire sweeping the streets and describes it as a “red coal carpet” while a mad bull is said to have lost its way. These descriptions create an atmosphere of chaos and turmoil. The verses that follow talk about rape and murder being just a shot away, reinforcing the idea of a violent and unpredictable world.


The song’s lyrics are bleak and provide a commentary on the state of society, with violence and danger lurking around every corner. The use of repetitive lyrics and the intense delivery by the vocalist underscores the sense of urgency and danger that the lyrics are trying to convey.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, a storm is threatening
There is a figurative storm brewing, causing danger and instability.


My very life today
The danger posed by the storm is particularly acute for me personally.


If I don't get some shelter
Without protection from the storm, I am likely to suffer harm or even death.


I'm gonna fade away
Without the shelter I need, I will be unable to endure and will succumb to the harsh conditions.


War, children, it's just a shot away
The threat of war is very close and could erupt at any moment.


It's just a shot away
The danger posed by war is immediate and life-threatening.


I see the fire is sweepin'
There is a literal or metaphorical fire spreading through my neighborhood or community.


Our very street today
The fire, and therefore the threat to our safety, is right outside our homes.


Burns like a red coal carpet
The fire is intense, fierce, and unstoppable, destroying everything in its path.


Mad bull lost it's way
Some outside force or entity has gone out of control or become unpredictable, further complicating the dangerous situation.


Rape, murder!
Acts of extreme violence such as rape and murder are unfortunately a real possibility during times of chaos and unrest.


The floods is threat'ning
An impending flood, either literal or metaphorical, is causing danger and panic.


Gimme, gimme shelter
I urgently need and am requesting immediate protection from the danger at hand.


Or I'm gonna fade away
Without the protection I am seeking, I will not be able to survive.


Love, sister, it's just a piss away
Amidst all the chaos and danger, the good things in life, like love and connection, can feel unattainable and distant.


Piss away, piss away
This phrase underscores the idea that important and meaningful things in life can easily slip away and be lost amidst the turmoil of difficult times.




Contributed by Brooklyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Ettnoll Bajen

Not only are the Copters one of the best rockband around,their covers were always excellent

simon trucker

There aren't many bands that could've added something extra to the greatest rock song of all time, but damn, the 'Copters did it!

Kim Maverick

good job Hellacopters !! love the cover

P*

They dedicated an entire career to enlighten and educate generations on where it all came from. And they never touched it without tremendous respect. Look at how they recorded and played w Scott Morgan (who is what is left of the Sonics Rendezvous Band). Just a love for the scene, released on vinyl. Like made to not...make no money. It is a tragedy we lost Robert. I cant grip that.

kevin fry

Saw Scott Morgan play last June,he's still got that great voice.

Ken Olson

Gary Rasmussen is still around.

Dave Anchovies

Suppershitty To The Max will always be my favorite...but they did plenty of covers and made them sound right in place with their own songs.
Sweden's almost best of the last few decades...unfortunately Henry Fiat's Open Sore have it locked down :)
Many great rock and roll bands have crept out of Sweden, though. These guys deserved more of an audience but they definitely weren't ignored in the USA

Altrn0

@Dave Anchovies band return 1 april 22 eyes of oblivion new album.

antonio berti

one of the great STONES songs in a great HELLACOPTERS version... enjoy !!!

Ximi_77

Wow....this is almost as good as the original!!!!

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