About the song
“Gimme Shelter,” an iconic song by the Rolling Stones, serves as the opening track on their 1969 album *Let It Bleed*. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is renowned for its gritty portrayal of the turbulent times during the late 1960s, particularly the Vietnam War era. It encapsulates themes of violence, fear, and societal unrest, reflecting the prevailing mood of the time.
The song’s genesis stemmed from Richards’ observation of people seeking shelter during a sudden rainstorm in London, which evolved into a metaphor for the harsh realities of the world. Jagger, influenced by the social and political climate, infused the lyrics with apocalyptic imagery, portraying a world on the brink of chaos and destruction. This thematic depth resonated profoundly with audiences, cementing “Gimme Shelter” as a poignant commentary on the era’s tumultuous backdrop.
One of the song’s standout features is the haunting guest vocals by Merry Clayton, recorded in a spontaneous late-night session in Los Angeles. Her impassioned delivery, notably on the lines “Rape, murder! It’s just a shot away!”, adds a chilling intensity to the track, punctuating its urgent message. Clayton’s vocal performance, albeit brief, left an indelible mark, showcasing the synergy between her powerful voice and Jagger’s evocative lead.
Critically acclaimed from its inception, “Gimme Shelter” received high praise from cultural critics like Greil Marcus, who hailed it as one of the Rolling Stones’ definitive achievements. Over the years, the song has consistently appeared on numerous “best of” and “greatest” lists, including Rolling Stone magazine’s prestigious “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” where it ranked prominently at number 13 in 2021.
Beyond its studio recording, “Gimme Shelter” has become a staple of the Rolling Stones’ live performances, evolving with different vocal collaborators over the decades. From Lisa Fischer to Lady Gaga, each rendition underscores the song’s enduring relevance and ability to resonate across generations.
While never released as a single, “Gimme Shelter” remains a cornerstone of the Rolling Stones’ discography, featured prominently on compilation albums and live recordings that showcase its enduring impact. Its blend of raw emotion, social commentary, and musical craftsmanship continues to captivate audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in rock music history.
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Lyrics
Ooh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Ooh 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 streets 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
Mmm, a flood is threatening
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