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"Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones

Last updated 📅 2025-04-11

Seek refuge in the haunting power of The Rolling Stones' 1969 masterpiece, "Gimme Shelter." The iconic opening track from Let It Bleed, this song captures apocalyptic dread with Keith Richards' legendary guitar intro, Mick Jagger's vocals, and Merry Clayton's searing guest performance.

Featured on the classic 1969 album Let It Bleed, "Gimme Shelter" reflected the turmoil of its era through a dark lens of hard rock and blues rock. Its ominous atmosphere, driven by Richards' distinctive guitar work and the unforgettable contribution from guest vocalist Merry Clayton, created an instant classic.

This powerful 1969 track remains one of The Rolling Stones' most acclaimed works. Its chilling lyrics invoking violence ("War, children, it's just a shot away"), combined with its blues rock foundation and hard rock intensity, make "Gimme Shelter" an enduring and potent musical statement.

SONG MEANING: Written amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War and social unrest, the song paints a bleak picture of impending violence, chaos, and societal breakdown ("Oh, a storm is threat'ning / My very life today"). The repeated plea "Gimme shelter" is a desperate cry for protection and refuge from the surrounding turmoil, war, and threat of violence ("Rape, murder / It's just a shot away").

BAND: The Rolling Stones
GENRE: Blues Rock, Hard Rock
OTHER: Cruisin Classic
RELEASEDAY: December 05
YEAR: 1969
CATEGORY: All Time Favorite Music
HASHTAGS: #TheRollingStones #BluesRock #HardRock #CruisinClassic #December05

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"The Rolling Stones"

The Rolling Stones, the epitome of rock and roll longevity, defined generations with their blues-based swagger and rebellious attitude. Led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the British legends remain globally iconic stadium-fillers. Discover the timeless riffs and enduring energy of The Rolling Stones.

Active since 1962, The Rolling Stones' career represents an unparalleled journey through rock history, with activities continuing across many decades. Key creative peaks occurred throughout, including around 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1981, and 1986, showcasing remarkable adaptability. Their sound, rooted in rock and roll and blues rock, expanded to encompass hard rock intensity, psychedelic experimentation, raga rock textures, boogie rock grooves, soulful explorations, disco beats, dance-rock energy, and tender soft rock moments. This constant evolution produced countless cruising classics and demonstrated The Rolling Stones’ mastery over rock's changing landscape. Their vast catalog includes many of the most iconic and defining songs in rock and roll history. Instantly recognizable guitar riffs power anthems of youthful rebellion, raw desire, and enduring stage presence...

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BAND | The Rolling Stones

"One Hit (to the Body)" by The Rolling Stones

Feel the impact of The Rolling Stones' hard-hitting 1986 rock track, "One Hit (to the Body)"! The powerful opener from Dirty Work, this song features intense guitar interplay, including a contribution from Jimmy Page, delivering a raw, aggressive hard rock statement.

Released as a single from the 1986 album Dirty Work, "One Hit (to the Body)" showcased The Rolling Stones embracing a contemporary hard rock sound. Featuring fiery guitar exchanges between Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and guest Jimmy Page, the track captured the intense energy of the band...

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