If asked to pinpoint the magic of Bob Dylan’s music, many would cite his masterful use of metaphor. For decades, his lyrics have invited listeners to soar on wings of figurative language, transforming the mundane into the profound. From the cryptic pronouncements of “The answer is blowing in the wind” to the sweeping theatricality of “All the world’s a stage,” Dylan’s genius often lies in his ability to illuminate truth through poetic indirection. This metaphorical richness is arguably the cornerstone of his appeal, particularly for long-time enthusiasts who have journeyed with him through his ever-evolving artistic landscape.
However, within Dylan’s vast and varied catalog, there exist songs that deviate sharply from this celebrated norm. “Gotta Serve Somebody,” the opening track of his 1979 album Slow Train Coming, stands as a stark example. In this song, metaphor is not merely absent; it is actively eschewed. There are no winds carrying elusive answers, no grand stages upon which life unfolds. Instead, we are presented with direct pronouncements, unambiguous declarations, and a seemingly unwavering assertion: “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” This directness, while perhaps intended as powerful and unwavering, marks a significant departure from the lyrical complexity that defines much of Dylan’s work and, for some, diminishes the very essence of what makes his songwriting so compelling.
This absence of metaphorical depth is not the only point of contention for some listeners. The song’s overt religious sentiment, centered around the idea of universal servitude to a higher power – be it “the devil or the Lord” – also proves divisive. While Dylan’s right to explore spiritual themes is undeniable, the prescriptive nature of “Gotta Serve Somebody” can feel alienating to those who do not share his specific beliefs. The sentiment, while resonating with some, clashes with a worldview that prioritizes individual autonomy and freedom of choice in matters of faith and personal conviction. For those who believe in living a life of service to family and community, or who simply strive to be ethical and compassionate individuals without adhering to religious dogma, the song’s central message may feel overly simplistic and even preachy.
Musically, “Gotta Serve Somebody” further diverges from Dylan’s more intricate and captivating compositions. While the backing track possesses a certain rhythmic drive, it lacks the melodic and harmonic intrigue that often characterizes his most memorable songs. Built primarily around a repetitive A minor chord progression in the verses, with a chorus that offers only a slight variation in D major before circling back, the music can feel monotonous and lacking in dynamism. The song structure, with its chorus repeated no less than seven times, amplifies this sense of sameness. While repetition can be a powerful tool in music, in this instance, it arguably contributes to a feeling of lyrical and musical stagnation, reinforcing the perception of the song as being more of a sermon set to music than a nuanced artistic statement.
The song’s straightforwardness and repetitive nature inadvertently evoke a comparison to Talking Heads’ song “Heaven,” released in the same year. David Byrne’s ironic portrayal of heaven as “a place where nothing ever happens” highlights the potential for monotony within perfection and unchanging repetition. While Byrne used this concept to explore irony and the human condition, “Gotta Serve Somebody,” in its relentless insistence on its central theme, inadvertently treads a similar path towards a feeling of sameness. The verses, listing various societal roles and personal attributes – from ambassadors and dancers to rock stars and thieves – ultimately lead to the same unwavering conclusion: “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” This repetitive structure, while emphasizing the song’s core message, can also contribute to a sense of lyrical inertia, where the potential for exploration and nuance is sacrificed for the sake of reiteration.
Despite these criticisms, “Gotta Serve Somebody” achieved both critical and commercial success, even winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Male in 1979. This recognition underscores the subjective nature of artistic appreciation and the diverse ways in which music can resonate with different audiences. For some, the song’s directness and unwavering message may be perceived as strengths, offering a clear and powerful statement of faith and purpose. However, for others, particularly those drawn to Dylan’s work for its poetic complexity and metaphorical richness, “Gotta Serve Somebody” represents a less compelling and ultimately less satisfying chapter in his extensive musical journey. It serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated artists can produce work that, while commercially successful, may not fully capture the qualities that initially endeared them to their most devoted fans.
