The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter - 1969
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Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
"Gimme Shelter" is a song by the English rock band The Rolling Stones. It first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1969 album "Let It Bleed." The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist respectively. It is known for its distinctive guitar intro, haunting lyrics, and powerful female vocals provided by guest artist Merry Clayton. The song was created during a turbulent period marked by the Vietnam War and social unrest, which is reflected in its apocalyptic tone.
History and Background
The song was written in 1969, a period of significant social and political upheaval. The Vietnam War was escalating, and there were widespread protests and civil rights movements. The lyrics "War, children, it's just a shot away" reflect the anxiety and fear of the era.
Composition and Lyrics
The composition of "Gimme Shelter" is notable for its mixture of rock, blues, and soul influences. The opening guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, is especially famous and sets the tone for the entire song. The lyrics, co-written by Jagger and Richards, speak of seeking shelter from a storm, a metaphor for the chaotic world events of the time.
Merry Clayton's Contribution
Merry Clayton's powerful backing vocals are a standout feature of the song. Her emotional delivery, especially in the lines "Rape, murder! It's just a shot away," adds a chilling and urgent dimension to the track.
Impact and Legacy
"Gimme Shelter" is often regarded as one of The Rolling Stones' greatest songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in several films, TV shows, and advertisements, illustrating its enduring appeal and influence.
For further reading, check out the song's detailed history and impact on The Rolling Stones' career and rock music.
External links for learning more: MOOCit - Learn about "Gimme Shelter"
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Gimme Shelter" released? (1969) (!1972) (!1965) (!1970)
Which album features "Gimme Shelter" as the opening track? (Let It Bleed) (!Sticky Fingers) (!Beggars Banquet) (!Exile on Main St.)
Who provided the powerful female backing vocals in "Gimme Shelter"? (Merry Clayton) (!Janis Joplin) (!Tina Turner) (!Aretha Franklin)
Which two members of The Rolling Stones wrote "Gimme Shelter"? (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards) (!Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts) (!Keith Richards and Brian Jones) (!Mick Taylor and Bill Wyman)
What prominent guitar technique is featured in the song's intro? (Slide guitar) (!Fingerpicking) (!Power chords) (!Tremolo picking)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Who is the lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones? (Mick Jagger) (!Keith Richards) (!Charlie Watts) (!Ron Wood)
In which city was The Rolling Stones band formed? (London) (!Liverpool) (!New York) (!Los Angeles)
What is the distinctive feature of Keith Richards' guitar playing in "Gimme Shelter"? (Open tuning) (!Fast soloing) (!Double tracking) (!Heavy distortion)
Which Rolling Stones member's departure was announced shortly before "Gimme Shelter" was recorded? (Brian Jones) (!Bill Wyman) (!Mick Taylor) (!Ronnie Wood)
What genre best describes The Rolling Stones' music? (Rock) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Country)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the metaphorical "storm" in the lyrics of "Gimme Shelter" often interpreted as? (Social and political turmoil) (!A natural disaster) (!Personal struggles) (!Romantic turmoil)
Which line follows "War, children, it's just a shot away" in the song? (Love, sister, it's just a kiss away) (!Hope, brother, it's just a dream away) (!Peace, friend, it's just a step away) (!Life, everyone, it's just a choice away)
What urgent and serious themes are highlighted by Merry Clayton's vocals? (Rape and murder) (!Love and peace) (!Freedom and justice) (!Wealth and power)
How does the song "Gimme Shelter" end? (With fading vocals and guitar) (!With a sudden stop) (!With a drum solo) (!With a piano outro)
Which phrase is repeated throughout the song adding to its haunting effect? (It's just a shot away) (!It's just a dream away) (!It's just a step away) (!It's just a choice away)
Memory
| "Gimme Shelter" release year | 1969 |
| Album featuring "Gimme Shelter" | Let It Bleed |
| Lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones | Mick Jagger |
| Main theme of "Gimme Shelter" | Social and political turmoil |
| Notable guitar technique in the song | Slide guitar |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore the 1960s: Research the historical context of the late 1960s, focusing on events like the Vietnam War and civil rights movements, and discuss how they might have influenced the creation of "Gimme Shelter."
- Cover Version: Create a cover version of "Gimme Shelter" using your own musical style or instruments.
Standard
- Lyric Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Gimme Shelter" and write an essay on its thematic elements and metaphors.
- Musical Analysis: Explore the musical composition of "Gimme Shelter," focusing on the guitar techniques and vocal styles used.
Difficult
- Historical Impact: Write a detailed report on how "Gimme Shelter" reflects the social and political climate of the late 1960s and its impact on future music.
- Comparative Study: Compare "Gimme Shelter" to another protest song from a different era, discussing similarities and differences in their themes, composition, and impact.
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Oral Exam
- Song Interpretation: Discuss your interpretation of "Gimme Shelter's" lyrics and how they relate to the historical context of its creation.
- Musical Influence: Explain how "Gimme Shelter" influenced the development of rock music and its significance in The Rolling Stones' discography.
- Cultural Reflection: Reflect on how music, like "Gimme Shelter," can serve as a reflection of the cultural and political issues of its time.
- Artistic Collaboration: Evaluate the impact of Merry Clayton's contribution to "Gimme Shelter" and discuss the importance of collaboration in music.
- Personal Connection: Share your personal connection or experience with "Gimme Shelter" and what the song means to you.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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