Hard Rock

The song was written by Stones members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. If was first released on their 1969 album Let It Bleed. Although this recording was never released as a single, it was often performed in their live shows, and concert versions have been released on a number of their albums and DVDs. The opening contains Keith Richards’ famous guitar riff. Jagger has said of the song that “it was a very moody piece about the world closing in on you a bit…When it was recorded, early ’69…it was a time of war and tension, so that’s reflected in this tune.” Indeed. The song is on Rolling Stone‘s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Soul and gospel singer Merry Clayton provides an unforgettable, edgy background vocal to the song. (The documentary 20 Feet from Stardom describes Clayton’s experiences, as well as those of other background singers from the era.)

There is also the 1970 documentary film Gimme Shelter, which takes it name from this song. The film shows the Stones’ 1969 tour that ended with the disaster at the Altamont Free Concert.

On the track are Mike Jagger (vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitars, backing vocals), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), Nicky Hopkins (piano), Jimmy Miller (percussion), and Merry Clayton (vocals, credited as Mary Clayton, but such is the life of a background singer).

Here are the lyrics to “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones:

Ooh, a storm is threat’nin’
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, yeah

Ooh, see the fire is sweepin’
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way

War, children, yeah, 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, yeah

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, yea, yeah

Umm, those floods is threat’nin’
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

For more songs by The Rolling Stones: “Satisfaction,” “Mother’s Little Helper,” and “Paint it Black.”

If you are interested in considering the album Let It Bleed, please click on the photo below:

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope ;you enjoyed “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones.