Bob Dylan’s career, characterized by its constant evolution and reinvention, took a marked turn in the late 1970s with his “Christian Trilogy” albums. The first of these, “Slow Train Coming” (1979), heralded Dylan’s newly embraced Christianity, a change that would leave a lasting impact on his music. At the forefront of this album is the track “You Gotta Serve Somebody,” a song that continues to spark discussion and analysis due to its lyrical depth and spiritual resonance.
The Song’s Message
At its core, “You Gotta Serve Somebody” conveys a simple but profound spiritual message: no matter who you are, no matter your status, achievements, or wealth, you are inevitably serving something or someone. Dylan presents a dichotomy between serving God or serving the “devil,” which can be interpreted as a representation of materialism, selfishness, or any form of moral compromise.
The chorus repeats the central message with hypnotic insistence: “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.”
Lyrics and Interpretation
Dylan’s lyrics in “You Gotta Serve Somebody” are filled with a variety of characters from different walks of life. From the socialite to the pauper, the rock star to the scientist, he emphasizes that no one is exempt from this moral truth. The repeated structure of each verse—outlining a person’s position and ending with the same refrain—reinforces the song’s central message.
In this song, Dylan doesn’t sermonize; he merely states what he sees as a fundamental truth of life. The listener is left to determine who or what they are serving. The “devil” and the “Lord” are not strictly defined, allowing for varied interpretations based on the listener’s own beliefs and experiences.
Reception and Influence
“You Gotta Serve Somebody” was met with mixed reactions, mirroring the polarized response to Dylan’s conversion to Christianity. Despite this, the song was a commercial success and won Dylan the Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Male in 1980.
The song’s influence extended beyond Dylan’s fan base. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, from gospel to rock to reggae, each bringing their own interpretation to Dylan’s lyrics. This speaks to the universal appeal of the song’s central message and its ability to transcend musical boundaries.
The Enduring Impact of “You Gotta Serve Somebody”
In “You Gotta Serve Somebody,” Dylan captures a timeless human truth wrapped in spiritual nuance. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, the song urges self-reflection, prompting listeners to consider who or what they’re truly serving in their lives.
Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy it sparked, “You Gotta Serve Somebody” remains one of Dylan’s most enduring songs. Its rich, thought-provoking lyrics continue to resonate, making it a testament to Dylan’s ability to capture deep truths through his music.
