Shelter Of Your Love
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴How I survived, Oh, I dont know.
Still I'm glad to say, I'm still here today.
I tried to pretend, but it was just a show.
Now I, I just cant hide. I had to swallow my pride.
And I had to:
Run for the shelter of your love. (x4)

You know I'm a man, I dont like to brag.

But it's been cold and empty out here, it's been a drag.
A man dont fight and run away. He will live to fight another day.
Well it's these words I sing that keeps me holding on today.
I know that I can:
Run for the shelter of your love. (x4)

The shelter of your love. (Longing for the shelter of your love.)
The shelter of your love. (Talking 'bout the shelter of your love.)
The shelter of your love.

I know that I can:
Run for the shelter of your love. (That's what kept me holding on so strong.)
Run for the shelter (So strong, so long.)
Run for the shelter of your love.
Run for the shelter of your love.

Shelter of your love (talking 'bout the shelter of your love)
The Shelter of your love (fade)

Overall Meaning

In Jimmy Cliff's "Shelter of Your Love," the song opens with the singer expressing his gratitude for still being alive after surviving a difficult experience. The lyrics show that the singer had been pretending to be okay when he really wasn't. He admits that he had to let go of his pride to be able to get through his struggles. The chorus talks about running towards the shelter of your love, which could be a metaphor for a person or a safe space. He repeats this multiple times, emphasizing his desperation and need for that place of comfort.

The second verse emphasizes the challenges faced by the singer. He talks about the loneliness that comes with being a man and how this has been overwhelming for him. He knows that a man must not run away but fight, but he emphasizes that he needs something to hold onto as he moves forward. He believes that it’s the words in the song and the reassurance that there is a place for him to go that gives him the hope and the strength to go on.

Overall, "Shelter of Your Love" is a song about finding hope and strength through the love of another person or safe space. Cliff's emotive delivery of the lyrics, accompanied by the upbeat rhythm, makes for a very inspiring and uplifting message.

Line by Line Meaning

How I survived, Oh, I dont know.
I truly don't know how I made it through my tough times.

Still I'm glad to say, I'm still here today.
Despite not knowing how I survived, I'm grateful to be alive today.

I tried to pretend, but it was just a show.
I attempted to hide my pain and struggles, but it didn't work out.

Now I, I just cant hide. I had to swallow my pride.
It's impossible for me to keep hiding my emotions, I had to accept the reality and let go of my ego.

And I had to: Run for the shelter of your love. (x4)
I had no other choice but to turn to your love and care for support and comfort.

You know I'm a man, I dont like to brag.
As a man, I don't typically boast about my accomplishments.

But it's been cold and empty out here, it's been a drag.
Life has been tough and lonely, and it's been exhausting to face it alone.

A man dont fight and run away. He will live to fight another day.
In general, men don't retreat from battles. However, sometimes it's wiser to wait and come back stronger.

Well it's these words I sing that keeps me holding on today.
My passion for music and singing is what's keeping me motivated and inspired today.

I know that I can: Run for the shelter of your love. (x4)
I'm confident that I can seek refuge in your love and affection.

The shelter of your love. (Longing for the shelter of your love.)
Your love is a safe haven for me, and I deeply desire to be enveloped in it.

The shelter of your love. (Talking 'bout the shelter of your love.)
I explicitly mean the affectionate and protective environment that your love creates.

The shelter of your love.
Once again, I'm referring to the protective space that your love can create for me.

I know that I can: Run for the shelter of your love. (That's what kept me holding on so strong.)
The ability to turn to your love is what's been maintaining my strength and resilience.

Run for the shelter (So strong, so long.)
I've been running towards your love for so long, and it's been the anchor in my life.

Run for the shelter of your love.
Once again, I'm affirming my intention to turn to your love as a safe retreat.

Run for the shelter of your love.
And again, I'm insisting on running to your love as a form of refuge.

Shelter of your love (talking 'bout the shelter of your love)
I'm emphasizing that I want to be protected and comforted in the secure space that is created by your love.

The Shelter of your love (fade)
As the song fades out, I'm still basking in the assurance and comfort of your love, which has been an essential part of my life.

Writer(s): Jimmy Cliff

Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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