Lyrics

They’re crowded into the smallest spaces
While outside all of nature cries
It’s known to be cruel and unfair
But there is no place to hide

Oh, I’ve seen a part of people that I never really want to share
Oh, I’ve seen a part of people that I never knew was there

Shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm
Shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm

I can’t sleep haunted by their faces
The sadness in their eyes
It hurts so much to see them helpless
It makes me want to cry
But still there is so much left unanswered
For so many innocent lives
They close the doors and are letting nobody in
And only the strong will survive…

Shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm
Give them shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm

I’ve seen the anger and I’ve seen all the dreams
And I’ve watched an existence torn apart at the seams
And though I may seam helpless
I will do all that I can do

Oh, I’ve seen a part of people that I never really want to share
Oh, I’ve seen a part of people that I never knew was there…

Shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm
Give them shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm
Shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm
Give them shelter – give them shelter from the coming storm

 

Appears on

Solace (1991)
Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff (1996)

The Path Of Thorns (Terms) (single)

 

Versions

Album Version
from “Solace”
Track length: 3:23

Live exclusive: Best of Mountain Stage
from “Best of Mountain Stage Vol 3”
Track length: ???

Live exclusive: Reckless Records
from “In Defense of Animals”
Track length: ???

Violin Remix
from “Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff”
Track length: 3:28

 

Compilations

Credits

Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano: Sarah McLachlan
Drums: Paul Brennan
Bass: Jocelyne Lanois
Acoustic Guitar: Bill Dillon
Violin, Viola, String Arrangement: Deni Bonet

 

Collaborations

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Trivia/Notes

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Sarah says

“This is a song for all creatures who are less fortunate than use, who are put into cages because of other people’s vanity and greed which I think is a terribly unfair thing. This is called Shelter.”
– Hi In The Middle bootleg (Cleveland, Ohio, 02 April 1992)

 

Video

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