“Serve Somebody” is a compelling song by Bob Dylan, released in 1979 on the album Slow Train Coming. These lyrics delve into the universal concept of servitude, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their position or choices in life, is ultimately serving someone or something. Dylan masterfully uses contrasting images and societal roles to drive home this profound message about human nature and spiritual accountability.
The song opens by listing a series of high-status individuals: “ambassador to England or France,” “heavyweight champion of the world,” and “socialite with a long string of pearls.” These figures represent worldly success and influence. Dylan immediately juxtaposes this with the inescapable truth:
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
This powerful chorus is the core of the song. The repetition emphasizes the inevitability of service. It’s not a question of if you will serve, but who or what you will serve. The choice, Dylan suggests, boils down to fundamental opposing forces: “the devil or the Lord.”
The subsequent verses broaden the spectrum of people who must serve. He includes those engaged in less conventional lifestyles: “rock ’n’ roll addict prancing on the stage,” “businessman or some high-degree thief.” This inclusivity reinforces that no one is exempt from this universal law of service. Even figures of authority like “Doctor” or “Chief” are not free from serving something beyond themselves.
Dylan continues to paint vivid pictures of diverse individuals in the third verse, encompassing various professions and social strata. “State trooper,” “head of some big TV network,” and individuals of different economic statuses (“rich or poor”) and physical conditions (“blind or lame”) are all included. This verse underscores the point that servitude is not limited by social standing, occupation, or personal circumstances.
The lyrics then move into more everyday roles and possessions: “construction worker,” someone living in a “mansion or dome,” and those who own “guns and…tanks” or are “landlord[s]” and own “banks.” This imagery grounds the abstract concept of service in tangible aspects of daily life and societal structures. It highlights that even those who appear to be in control are still bound to serve something, whether it be their ambitions, their possessions, or perhaps a higher power.
Verse five takes a critical look at religious and civic leaders: “preacher with your spiritual pride,” “city councilman taking bribes on the side.” Dylan doesn’t shy away from pointing out hypocrisy, suggesting that even those who ostensibly serve noble causes can be serving darker impulses like ego or greed. He also includes ordinary professions like “workin’ in a barbershop” and personal relationships like “somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir,” further widening the scope of who “serve somebody.”
The sixth verse shifts to personal preferences and material comforts: “wear cotton, might like to wear silk,” “drink whiskey, might like to drink milk,” “eat caviar, you might like to eat bread,” and different living conditions (“sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed”). This verse cleverly illustrates that even our seemingly personal choices and desires can be forms of service. We may serve our appetites, our comforts, or our chosen lifestyles.
Finally, in the last verse, Dylan becomes more personal, referencing different names he might be called: “Terry,” “Timmy,” “Bobby,” “Zimmy,” “R.J.,” “Ray.” This breaks the fourth wall slightly, acknowledging his own role as a performer and public figure who is also subject to this universal law. Regardless of identity or public perception, the core message remains:
You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
In conclusion, “Serve Somebody” lyrics offer a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of human existence. Bob Dylan’s song is a stark reminder that service is not optional; it is an intrinsic part of the human condition. The lyrics challenge listeners to consider who or what they are truly serving, prompting reflection on their values, motivations, and ultimate allegiances in life. The song’s enduring message resonates because it speaks to a fundamental truth about human nature – the inescapable need to dedicate oneself to something beyond the self.
