Who wrote the song "Gimme Shelter"?

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the song "Gimme Shelter." The songwriting credit reflects the partnership that powered much of The Rolling Stones' classic repertoire, although Richards developed the song's distinctive musical foundation and Jagger shaped much of its lyrical direction.

Richards began working on the opening guitar figure in London in 1968 while Jagger was away filming the movie Performance. Jagger later helped complete the song, whose lyrics evoke war, violence, fear, and the need for refuge. The track became the opening song on the Stones' 1969 album Let It Bleed.

A frequent misconception is that the song was written in response to the Altamont concert disaster. In fact, it was recorded before Altamont took place. The recording is also notable for Merry Clayton's powerful guest vocal, especially her urgent responses near the climax.