About The Song

Gimme Shelter” is a iconic song by The Rolling Stones, known for its powerful and haunting sound. Here are some details about the song:

Background:

  • Artist: The Rolling Stones
  • Album: “Let It Bleed” (1969)
  • Release Date: December 5, 1969
  • Genre: Rock, blues rock

Key Personnel:

  • Mick Jagger: Lead vocals
  • Keith Richards: Acoustic guitar, backing vocals
  • Merry Clayton: Vocals (notably the powerful female vocals)
  • Charlie Watts: Drums
  • Bill Wyman: Bass

Musical Style and Influence:

  • “Gimme Shelter” is characterized by its raw, bluesy sound, and is often considered one of The Rolling Stones’ most intense and socially charged songs.
  • The song reflects the turbulent political and social climate of the late 1960s, particularly addressing themes of war, violence, and the search for sanctuary.

Notable Elements:

  • The opening guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the song’s ominous atmosphere.
  • Merry Clayton’s powerful and soulful vocals, especially in the climactic “rape, murder” section, add a haunting and emotional dimension to the song.
  • The use of a prominent, echoing vocal effect on Jagger’s voice contributes to the song’s eerie atmosphere.

Lyrics:

  • The lyrics of “Gimme Shelter” are often interpreted as a response to the turbulent events of the late 1960s, including the Vietnam War and social unrest. The repeated refrain of “War, children, it’s just a shot away” reflects the anxieties and fears of the time.

Cultural Impact:

  • “Gimme Shelter” has been widely praised for its musical and lyrical intensity, and it is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
  • The song has been used in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

Live Performances:

  • The Rolling Stones frequently perform “Gimme Shelter” in their concerts. The intensity of the live performances often matches or even exceeds the power of the studio recording.

Legacy:

  • “Gimme Shelter” remains a classic and enduring part of The Rolling Stones’ catalog. It continues to be celebrated for its musical impact, social commentary, and memorable performances.

In summary, “Gimme Shelter” stands as a powerful example of The Rolling Stones’ ability to capture the spirit of their time through music, combining intense instrumentation with socially charged lyrics.

Video

Lyrics

“Gimme Shelter”

Oh, a storm is threat’ning
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade awayWar, 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 your 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!
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

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

By admin