Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful declaration of spiritual awakening and a stark reminder of life’s fundamental choices. Released in 1979, this track emerged from a pivotal moment in Dylan’s life – his controversial conversion to Christianity. The song’s lyrics, seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful, challenge listeners to confront the universal truth that everyone, regardless of status or belief, is ultimately serving something or someone. This article delves into the story behind “Gotta Serve Somebody,” unpacks its potent lyrics, and explores its enduring relevance in understanding Bob Dylan’s artistic and spiritual journey.
From Rock Star to Revelation: Dylan’s Conversion and Creative Shift
In 1978, Bob Dylan was a rock icon, traversing the globe on a massive world tour. Amidst the whirlwind of concerts and personal upheaval following his divorce, an unexpected event occurred in San Diego that would profoundly alter his path. As the story goes, a fan tossed a silver crucifix onto the stage. This seemingly small gesture became a catalyst for a major spiritual transformation. Dylan, a seasoned performer accustomed to stage offerings, picked up the cross, an action that would lead to a profound experience just days later in a Tucson hotel room.
Dylan described this experience as a “literal visitation from Jesus Christ,” recounting a tangible and overwhelming encounter. “Jesus put his hand on me,” he stated, emphasizing the physicality of the moment. “I felt it all over me. I felt my whole body tremble. The glory of the Lord knocked me down and picked me up.” This marked the beginning of Bob Dylan’s public embrace of Christianity, a move met with skepticism and resistance from some fans and media outlets who longed for the “old Dylan.” However, this newfound faith became a driving force in his music, most notably in “Gotta Serve Somebody.”
“Gotta Serve Somebody” Lyrics: A Universal Declaration
Released on the album Slow Train Coming, “Gotta Serve Somebody” directly reflected Dylan’s spiritual awakening. The lyrics are deceptively straightforward, built around a simple yet insistent refrain: “But you gotta serve somebody.” The verses paint vivid pictures of people from all walks of life, from ambassadors and socialites to rock stars and laborers. No one is exempt; the song asserts that this fundamental principle applies universally.
You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you gotta serve somebody, yes indeed
You gotta serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you gotta serve somebody.
The genius of the lyrics lies in their inclusiveness. Dylan doesn’t preach or judge; he simply observes and states a reality. Whether you are wealthy or poor, famous or obscure, powerful or powerless, the song posits that you are inevitably devoted to something. The crucial question then becomes: what or whom do you serve? “It may be the devil or it may be the Lord,” Dylan sings, highlighting the dichotomy and the personal choice inherent in this universal servitude.
The Grammy Performance: A Provocative Statement
The 1980 Grammy Awards witnessed a particularly memorable performance of “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Dylan took to the stage in a tuxedo, an attire that seemed intentionally out of sync with his raw musical style, perhaps even satirical. As he began to sing, the contrast between the glittering, celebrity-filled audience and the song’s stark message became palpable. Dylan’s performance was intense, his gaze direct and unwavering as he delivered lines like, “You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls / But you have to serve somebody.”
This performance felt like a deliberate confrontation, a musical John the Baptist addressing a modern-day gala. It underscored the song’s core message: even in the most glamorous and seemingly self-sufficient circles, the fundamental human condition of servitude remains. Dylan wasn’t just singing lyrics; he was delivering a challenge, prompting introspection from his audience and listeners worldwide.
The Enduring Meaning: Worship and Choice
“Gotta Serve Somebody” resonates because it taps into a profound philosophical and spiritual truth. As writer David Foster Wallace famously articulated, “There’s no such thing as not worshiping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what we worship.” Dylan’s song echoes this sentiment in a more accessible, musical form. It strips away the illusions of self-reliance and autonomy, revealing the underlying reality of human existence – we are all oriented towards something beyond ourselves, whether consciously or unconsciously.
The song doesn’t dictate who or what to serve, leaving that as a matter of personal reflection. It simply insists on the unavoidable nature of service itself. In a world often preoccupied with individual achievement and material success, “Gotta Serve Somebody” serves as a powerful reminder of the deeper, often unseen forces that shape our lives and choices. Bob Dylan’s journey, marked by his conversion and this iconic song, continues to provoke thought and inspire listeners to consider the fundamental question: who do you serve?
[youtube: embedded youtube link of Bob Dylan’s Gotta Serve Somebody Grammy performance if available and relevant, otherwise consider an image of Bob Dylan performing]
[Image of Bob Dylan performing “Gotta Serve Somebody” at the Grammy Awards, 1980. Alt text: Bob Dylan performing “Gotta Serve Somebody” at the 1980 Grammy Awards, highlighting his intense delivery and the song’s powerful message.]
Complete Lyrics of “Gotta Serve Somebody”
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you gotta serve somebody, yes indeed
You gotta serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you gotta serve somebody
You might be a rock ‘n’ roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs in your pocket, women in a cage
You may be a businessman or some high degree thief
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you may be live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord, may be even own banks
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be working as a dishwasher, you may be in your prime
You may be workin’ in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir
You may like to drink whiskey, might like to blow smoke
You may have money-power or you may be broke
You may think you’re living, you may think you’re dead
Maybe sleeping on the floor, or sleeping in a feather bed
But you gotta serve somebody, yes indeed
You gotta serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you gotta serve somebody.
