Bob Dylan — Gotta Serve Somebody
Album: Slow Train ComingAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 630
Length: 5:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share
tweet
You may be an ambassador
To England or France
You might like to gamble
You might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight
Champion of the world
You might be a socialite
With a long string of pearls
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
Might be a Rock-n-roll addict
Prancing on the stage
Money, Drugs at your command
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
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes you are, 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
You may be a state trooper
You might be a young tough
You may be the head
Of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor
You may be blind or lame
Maybe livin' in another Country
Under another name
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes you are, 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
Maybe a construction worker
Workin' on a home
Might be livin' in a Mansion
You might live in a dome
You may own guns
And you may even own tanks
You may be someone's landlord
You may even own banks
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, 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
You may be a Preacher
Preaching Spiritual Pride
Maybe a City Councilman
Takin' bribes on the side
Maybe working in a Barbershop
You may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress
Maybe somebody's heir
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, 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
Might like to wear cotton
Might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey
Might like to drink milk
Might like to eat caviar
You might like to eat bread
Maybe sleeping on the floor
Sleepin' in a king-size bed
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
You may call me Terry
You may call me Timmy
You may call me Bobby
Or you may call me Zimmy
You may call me RJ
You may call me Ray
You may call me anything
No matter what you say
You're still gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well it may be the Devil
And it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Ohh Yeah
Serve Somebody
To England or France
You might like to gamble
You might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight
Champion of the world
You might be a socialite
With a long string of pearls
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
Might be a Rock-n-roll addict
Prancing on the stage
Money, Drugs at your command
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
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes you are, 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
You may be a state trooper
You might be a young tough
You may be the head
Of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor
You may be blind or lame
Maybe livin' in another Country
Under another name
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes you are, 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
Maybe a construction worker
Workin' on a home
Might be livin' in a Mansion
You might live in a dome
You may own guns
And you may even own tanks
You may be someone's landlord
You may even own banks
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, 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
You may be a Preacher
Preaching Spiritual Pride
Maybe a City Councilman
Takin' bribes on the side
Maybe working in a Barbershop
You may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress
Maybe somebody's heir
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, 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
Might like to wear cotton
Might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey
Might like to drink milk
Might like to eat caviar
You might like to eat bread
Maybe sleeping on the floor
Sleepin' in a king-size bed
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
You may call me Terry
You may call me Timmy
You may call me Bobby
Or you may call me Zimmy
You may call me RJ
You may call me Ray
You may call me anything
No matter what you say
You're still gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well it may be the Devil
And it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Ohh Yeah
Serve Somebody
Comments (122)add comment
The_Seeker wrote:
Atheism and theism are two sides of the same coin essentially as they both require a belief - i.e. atheists believe there is no God, theists believe there is. I say believe as no one knows either way.
Right...and Jews, Christians and Muslims all believe in the SAME god....go figure....and when you say "believe, as no one knows either way" then I say "I do believe (that the god of the Christians, Jews and Muslims doesn't exist).
Atheism and theism are two sides of the same coin essentially as they both require a belief - i.e. atheists believe there is no God, theists believe there is. I say believe as no one knows either way.
Right...and Jews, Christians and Muslims all believe in the SAME god....go figure....and when you say "believe, as no one knows either way" then I say "I do believe (that the god of the Christians, Jews and Muslims doesn't exist).
nigelr wrote:
For me, Slow Train is a FULL 10, this one is a 9.5; though both are GREAT works by this GREAT religious Bobby - I'm also a fan of Precious Angel. LLRP!!
best song on the album...
For me, Slow Train is a FULL 10, this one is a 9.5; though both are GREAT works by this GREAT religious Bobby - I'm also a fan of Precious Angel. LLRP!!
Yes, yes, I gave this a solid 10. Lyrics share an old lesson ... along with a sa-weet bass groove.
You may call me Terry ...
You may call me Terry ...
On_The_Beach wrote:
I did NOT know that. Very cool. Thanks. : )
Wikipedia: Slow Train Coming: Personnel
Up-and-coming guitarist Mark Knopfler played on this album.
I did NOT know that. Very cool. Thanks. : )
Wikipedia: Slow Train Coming: Personnel
nelamvr6 wrote:
Atheism and theism are two sides of the same coin essentially as they both require a belief - i.e. atheists believe there is no God, theists believe there is. I say believe as no one knows either way.
No, Bob, you don't have to serve any of your imaginary friends...
Atheism and theism are two sides of the same coin essentially as they both require a belief - i.e. atheists believe there is no God, theists believe there is. I say believe as no one knows either way.
best song on the album...
one more Great Song by Almighty Zimmy!!!
Misterfixit wrote:
LOL!! Doubt that would improve the service anyway!
Note to self: do NOT sing this when waiting in line for food at chick-fil-A
LOL!! Doubt that would improve the service anyway!
TheBorgBuilder wrote:
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
To quote Bill Watterson ("Calvin and Hobbes"), "The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us."
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
To quote Bill Watterson ("Calvin and Hobbes"), "The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us."
Not if you are not superstitious, you don't.
That's 3 negatives in a row.
That's 3 negatives in a row.
Up-and-coming guitarist Mark Knopfler played on this album.
Hearing odd parallels with David Byrne
nelamvr6 wrote:
I think it's a bigger idea than that.
No, Bob, you don't have to serve any of your imaginary friends...
I think it's a bigger idea than that.
Can't argue with Bob....
TheBorgBuilder wrote:
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
Indeed; every time I've seen you you've either been alone or with someone.
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
Indeed; every time I've seen you you've either been alone or with someone.
No, Bob, you don't have to serve any of your imaginary friends...
TheBorgBuilder wrote:
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
I sort of wish I were alone. Then there would be no Bob Dylan to torture my ears.
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
I sort of wish I were alone. Then there would be no Bob Dylan to torture my ears.
Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying propositions.
This album has some clunkers on it. (Man Gave Names to All the Animals), but this is pretty danged good.
coolpeople_rule wrote:
Thank you! Everybody in my alien space craft loves this song... hope life be grand for you right now, coolpeople_rule...
Good to see you back with us Lazarus..
Thank you! Everybody in my alien space craft loves this song... hope life be grand for you right now, coolpeople_rule...
bachbeet wrote:
eh, Dylan's song is much better.
"Shortly before his murder, John Lennon recorded "Serve Yourself" in response to Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody"."
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
eh, Dylan's song is much better.
HomeTuner wrote:
I agree. It might have been an easier point to grasp if Dylan had used "serve something" instead of "serve somebody." Somebody implies another person or higher being (God, Satan), while something could be anything -- God, heroin, ambition, love, war, etc.
As I read some of the comments, I'm asking, "Aren't they missing the point?" Read "Who's in Charge? Free Will and the Science of the Brain" by Michael S Gazzaniga and discover a bit about the neurobiology of our brains. At some level, some way, some how, "You Gotta Serve Somebody." Garbage in, garbage out. Basic Dylan point: Your influencers become your masters. Or as another author put it, "What has your attention--has you."
I agree. It might have been an easier point to grasp if Dylan had used "serve something" instead of "serve somebody." Somebody implies another person or higher being (God, Satan), while something could be anything -- God, heroin, ambition, love, war, etc.
Always loved this song when it came out. I was 14 at the time. I remember the critics really giving Dylan grief for this, but I liked Mark Knopler's guitar and its slow groove.
As I read some of the comments, I'm asking, "Aren't they missing the point?" Read "Who's in Charge? Free Will and the Science of the Brain" by Michael S Gazzaniga and discover a bit about the neurobiology of our brains. At some level, some way, some how, "You Gotta Serve Somebody." Garbage in, garbage out. Basic Dylan point: Your influencers become your masters. Or as another author put it, "What has your attention--has you."
Misterfixit wrote:
There ARE alternatives. Or maybe I should shift the emphasis?
No, I don't think I need to.
Note to self: do NOT sing this when waiting in line for food at chick-fil-A
There ARE alternatives. Or maybe I should shift the emphasis?
No, I don't think I need to.
..... i like this BD album and in particular this songNote to self: do NOT sing this when waiting in line for food at chick-fil-A
kaybee wrote:
you sound like a tolerant person ...
Kokoloco53 wrote:
reason06 wrote:
Even back in the 60's, when (in my opinion) Dylan was at his best, I sometimes found him very self-righteous and arrogant and actually very intolerant - always something wrong with others but never himself. When he became a real right-wing Jesus freak, I lost any respect I had for him.
You got it, Born again Bob Dylan, I remember well when the album was released with much hoopla about Dylan's recent conversion to Born Again Christianity. That's what can happen if you take too many drugs. Like Cheech and Chongs timeless skit where Chong laments,"I used to be all messed up on drugs, now, I'm all messed up on the Lord."
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
reason06 wrote:
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
Even back in the 60's, when (in my opinion) Dylan was at his best, I sometimes found him very self-righteous and arrogant and actually very intolerant - always something wrong with others but never himself. When he became a real right-wing Jesus freak, I lost any respect I had for him.
you sound like a tolerant person ...
... ... ... ... .... .... . . . . . . . . . . .
Heard around the 30 Rock offices of SNL back in the day;
"You're gonna have to serve somebody, the Devil or the Lorne"
The_Enemy wrote:
>cough< ahem >cough<
From Wikipedia:
Slow Train Coming is the nineteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in August 1979 by Columbia Records. It was the artist's first effort since becoming a born-again Christian, and all of the songs either express his strong personal faith, or stress the importance of Christian teachings and philosophy. The evangelical nature of the record alienated many of Dylan's existing fans; at the same time, many Christians were drawn into his fan base.
Wiki is always right....I read it on the internet....
>cough< ahem >cough<
From Wikipedia:
Slow Train Coming is the nineteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in August 1979 by Columbia Records. It was the artist's first effort since becoming a born-again Christian, and all of the songs either express his strong personal faith, or stress the importance of Christian teachings and philosophy. The evangelical nature of the record alienated many of Dylan's existing fans; at the same time, many Christians were drawn into his fan base.
Wiki is always right....I read it on the internet....
Christian or not, you're still gonna have to serve somebody.
coolpeople_rule wrote:
Good to see you back with us Lazarus..
Good to see you back with us Lazarus..
Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Good to see you back with us Lazurus..
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Good to see you back with us Lazurus..
Serve's us right ;)
Christian or Pagan, it cooks.......
Sine_Nomine wrote:
I don't think the lyrics were meant to be taken literally. Me and my band mates do a version of this song and their isn't a religious inclination in the group to a man. If any of us thought it had a religious connotation, we wouldn't be playing it.
>cough< ahem >cough<
From Wikipedia:
Slow Train Coming is the nineteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in August 1979 by Columbia Records. It was the artist's first effort since becoming a born-again Christian, and all of the songs either express his strong personal faith, or stress the importance of Christian teachings and philosophy. The evangelical nature of the record alienated many of Dylan's existing fans; at the same time, many Christians were drawn into his fan base.
I don't think the lyrics were meant to be taken literally. Me and my band mates do a version of this song and their isn't a religious inclination in the group to a man. If any of us thought it had a religious connotation, we wouldn't be playing it.>cough< ahem >cough<
From Wikipedia:
Slow Train Coming is the nineteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in August 1979 by Columbia Records. It was the artist's first effort since becoming a born-again Christian, and all of the songs either express his strong personal faith, or stress the importance of Christian teachings and philosophy. The evangelical nature of the record alienated many of Dylan's existing fans; at the same time, many Christians were drawn into his fan base.
marvelous... love this song...
I don't think the lyrics were meant to be taken literally. Me and my band mates do a version of this song and their isn't a religious inclination in the group to a man. If any of us thought it had a religious connotation, we wouldn't be playing it.Bob is great though, and much misunderstood I think. His irreverence for most established bodies of thought is played out again and again in his music.
Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my church loves this song...
his 72nd is soon and this man is still fantastic! You don't hear it, that's your problem man
Some music I just don't get. This song and Joni Mitchell are two.
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Wow, there's few Dylan songs I don't like. This is one of them.
Wow! A BD song I don't hate! Amazing! That being said...it does NOTHING for me. It is tolerable though...need to be positive.
nmcvaugh wrote:
Indeed...
I'm sitting here drinking the blackest coffee from my Cthul'hu mug listening to Dylan sing about serving people. Gives a whole new perspective on the song. No matter who you serve, I'm sure they'll be delicious!
Indeed...
I'm sitting here drinking the blackest coffee from my Cthul'hu mug listening to Dylan sing about serving people. Gives a whole new perspective on the song. No matter who you serve, I'm sure they'll be delicious!
The genius this man has for words never ceases to amaze me
Always liked this song and that album . . . thanks!
pannaramma wrote:
good. point.
I tried to sing this to my husband when he told me he was lucky to not have a boss. Every body got a boss, babe.
good. point.
Every time I hear this song, I'm reminded to ask if the emperor has no clothes.
vandal wrote:
totally agree....
Ya gotta bore somebody. . .
totally agree....
Great song
It is amazing to me how popular a musician he was. Sheesh. 
Dave_Mack wrote:
I don't think that's David Steinberg, the "booga-booga" guy, but I don't know who it was either. I did think it was funny that Bob stuck that in there. This song actually sounds a lot better now than it did when it came out. The "re-born" Dylan definitely rubbed me the wrong way.
Bill Saluga was the "you-can-call-me-Ray..." guy, not David Steinberg - but he was a recurring guest on Steinberg's TV show.
I don't think that's David Steinberg, the "booga-booga" guy, but I don't know who it was either. I did think it was funny that Bob stuck that in there. This song actually sounds a lot better now than it did when it came out. The "re-born" Dylan definitely rubbed me the wrong way.
Bill Saluga was the "you-can-call-me-Ray..." guy, not David Steinberg - but he was a recurring guest on Steinberg's TV show.
Mandible wrote:
It may be the devil, it may be the lord, it may be yourself, but you gonna have to...
SERVE YOURSELF, by John Lennon
You say you found Jesus. Christ!
He's the only one
You say you've found Buddha
Sittin' in the sun
You say you found Mohammed
Facin' to the East
You say you found Krishna
Dancin' in the street
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your mother (your mother, don't forget your mother, la)
You got to serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
You gotta serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
Well you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
But if you don't go out and serve yourself, la, ain't no room service here
It's still the same old story
A bloody Holy War
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study war no more
I fight for God and country
We're gonna set you free
or put you back in the Stone Age
If you won't be like me - y'get it?
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
Yeah you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
'But Christ, you're gonna have to serve yourself and that's all there is to it.
So get right back here it's in the bloody fridge. God, when I was a kid.
Didn't have stuff like this, TV-fuckin' dinners and all that crap.
You fuckin' kids (are) all the fuckin' same! Want a fuckin' car now...
Lucky to have a pair of shoes!'
You tell me you found Jesus. Christ!
Well that's great and he's the only one
You say you just found Buddha?
and he's sittin' on his arse in the sun?
You say you found Mohammed?
Kneeling on a bloody carpet facin' the East?
You say you found Krishna
With a bald head dancin' in the street? ('Well Christ, la, you're goin out your bleedin' girth')
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you ('that's right, la, you better get that straight
in your fuckin' head')
You gotta serve yourself ('you know that, who else is gonna do it for you, it ain't me, kid, I tell you that')
Well, you may believe in Jesus, and you may believe in Marx
And you may believe in Marks and Spencer's and you maybe believe in bloody
Woolworths
But there's something missing in this whole bloody stew
And it's your mother, your poor bloody mother ('she what bore you in the
back bedroom, full of piss and shit and fuckin' midwives. God, you can't
forget that all too quick, you know. You should have been in the bloody
war, la, and you'da known all about it.
Well, I'll tell you something.')
It's still the same old story
A Holy bloody War, you know, with the Pope and all that stuff
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study no war, more war
I fight for God and country, the Queen and all that
We're gonna set you free. yeah? all them "nig-nogs"? sure...
Bomb you back into the fuckin' Stone Age
If you won't be like me, you know, get down on your knees and pray
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your goddamn mother you dirty little git, now
get in there and wash yer ears!
SERVE YOURSELF, by John Lennon
You say you found Jesus. Christ!
He's the only one
You say you've found Buddha
Sittin' in the sun
You say you found Mohammed
Facin' to the East
You say you found Krishna
Dancin' in the street
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your mother (your mother, don't forget your mother, la)
You got to serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
You gotta serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
Well you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
But if you don't go out and serve yourself, la, ain't no room service here
It's still the same old story
A bloody Holy War
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study war no more
I fight for God and country
We're gonna set you free
or put you back in the Stone Age
If you won't be like me - y'get it?
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
Yeah you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
'But Christ, you're gonna have to serve yourself and that's all there is to it.
So get right back here it's in the bloody fridge. God, when I was a kid.
Didn't have stuff like this, TV-fuckin' dinners and all that crap.
You fuckin' kids (are) all the fuckin' same! Want a fuckin' car now...
Lucky to have a pair of shoes!'
You tell me you found Jesus. Christ!
Well that's great and he's the only one
You say you just found Buddha?
and he's sittin' on his arse in the sun?
You say you found Mohammed?
Kneeling on a bloody carpet facin' the East?
You say you found Krishna
With a bald head dancin' in the street? ('Well Christ, la, you're goin out your bleedin' girth')
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you ('that's right, la, you better get that straight
in your fuckin' head')
You gotta serve yourself ('you know that, who else is gonna do it for you, it ain't me, kid, I tell you that')
Well, you may believe in Jesus, and you may believe in Marx
And you may believe in Marks and Spencer's and you maybe believe in bloody
Woolworths
But there's something missing in this whole bloody stew
And it's your mother, your poor bloody mother ('she what bore you in the
back bedroom, full of piss and shit and fuckin' midwives. God, you can't
forget that all too quick, you know. You should have been in the bloody
war, la, and you'da known all about it.
Well, I'll tell you something.')
It's still the same old story
A Holy bloody War, you know, with the Pope and all that stuff
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study no war, more war
I fight for God and country, the Queen and all that
We're gonna set you free. yeah? all them "nig-nogs"? sure...
Bomb you back into the fuckin' Stone Age
If you won't be like me, you know, get down on your knees and pray
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your goddamn mother you dirty little git, now
get in there and wash yer ears!
true dat...you can only serve one master...whatever that master you choose to be.
socalhol wrote:
One of the very few Dylan songs I really do like
Agreed, but I can't say why. Don't buy into the lyric, maybe it's the distinctive voice and unstoppable groove.This along with One more cup of coffee (both Dylan and Marley) are the biggest stuck in my head songs of all times! At least I really like these tunes!
bachbeet wrote:
SERVE YOURSELF, by John Lennon
You say you found Jesus. Christ!
He's the only one
You say you've found Buddha
Sittin' in the sun
You say you found Mohammed
Facin' to the East
You say you found Krishna
Dancin' in the street
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your mother (your mother, don't forget your mother, la)
You got to serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
You gotta serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
Well you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
But if you don't go out and serve yourself, la, ain't no room service here
It's still the same old story
A bloody Holy War
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study war no more
I fight for God and country
We're gonna set you free
or put you back in the Stone Age
If you won't be like me - y'get it?
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
Yeah you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
'But Christ, you're gonna have to serve yourself and that's all there is to it.
So get right back here it's in the bloody fridge. God, when I was a kid.
Didn't have stuff like this, TV-fuckin' dinners and all that crap.
You fuckin' kids (are) all the fuckin' same! Want a fuckin' car now...
Lucky to have a pair of shoes!'
You tell me you found Jesus. Christ!
Well that's great and he's the only one
You say you just found Buddha?
and he's sittin' on his arse in the sun?
You say you found Mohammed?
Kneeling on a bloody carpet facin' the East?
You say you found Krishna
With a bald head dancin' in the street? ('Well Christ, la, you're goin out your bleedin' girth')
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you ('that's right, la, you better get that straight
in your fuckin' head')
You gotta serve yourself ('you know that, who else is gonna do it for you, it ain't me, kid, I tell you that')
Well, you may believe in Jesus, and you may believe in Marx
And you may believe in Marks and Spencer's and you maybe believe in bloody
Woolworths
But there's something missing in this whole bloody stew
And it's your mother, your poor bloody mother ('she what bore you in the
back bedroom, full of piss and shit and fuckin' midwives. God, you can't
forget that all too quick, you know. You should have been in the bloody
war, la, and you'da known all about it.
Well, I'll tell you something.')
It's still the same old story
A Holy bloody War, you know, with the Pope and all that stuff
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study no war, more war
I fight for God and country, the Queen and all that
We're gonna set you free. yeah? all them "nig-nogs"? sure...
Bomb you back into the fuckin' Stone Age
If you won't be like me, you know, get down on your knees and pray
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your goddamn mother you dirty little git, now
get in there and wash yer ears!
"Shortly before his murder, John Lennon recorded "Serve Yourself" in response to Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody"."
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
SERVE YOURSELF, by John Lennon
You say you found Jesus. Christ!
He's the only one
You say you've found Buddha
Sittin' in the sun
You say you found Mohammed
Facin' to the East
You say you found Krishna
Dancin' in the street
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your mother (your mother, don't forget your mother, la)
You got to serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
You gotta serve yourself
nobody gonna do for you
Well you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
But if you don't go out and serve yourself, la, ain't no room service here
It's still the same old story
A bloody Holy War
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study war no more
I fight for God and country
We're gonna set you free
or put you back in the Stone Age
If you won't be like me - y'get it?
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you
Yeah you may believe in devils and you may believe in laws
'But Christ, you're gonna have to serve yourself and that's all there is to it.
So get right back here it's in the bloody fridge. God, when I was a kid.
Didn't have stuff like this, TV-fuckin' dinners and all that crap.
You fuckin' kids (are) all the fuckin' same! Want a fuckin' car now...
Lucky to have a pair of shoes!'
You tell me you found Jesus. Christ!
Well that's great and he's the only one
You say you just found Buddha?
and he's sittin' on his arse in the sun?
You say you found Mohammed?
Kneeling on a bloody carpet facin' the East?
You say you found Krishna
With a bald head dancin' in the street? ('Well Christ, la, you're goin out your bleedin' girth')
You got to serve yourself
Ain't nobody gonna do for you ('that's right, la, you better get that straight
in your fuckin' head')
You gotta serve yourself ('you know that, who else is gonna do it for you, it ain't me, kid, I tell you that')
Well, you may believe in Jesus, and you may believe in Marx
And you may believe in Marks and Spencer's and you maybe believe in bloody
Woolworths
But there's something missing in this whole bloody stew
And it's your mother, your poor bloody mother ('she what bore you in the
back bedroom, full of piss and shit and fuckin' midwives. God, you can't
forget that all too quick, you know. You should have been in the bloody
war, la, and you'da known all about it.
Well, I'll tell you something.')
It's still the same old story
A Holy bloody War, you know, with the Pope and all that stuff
I fight for love and glory
Ain't gonna study no war, more war
I fight for God and country, the Queen and all that
We're gonna set you free. yeah? all them "nig-nogs"? sure...
Bomb you back into the fuckin' Stone Age
If you won't be like me, you know, get down on your knees and pray
Well there's somethin' missing in this God Almighty stew
And it's your goddamn mother you dirty little git, now
get in there and wash yer ears!
One of the very few Dylan songs I really do like
Mavis Staples does a fantastic cover of this. Check it out ... She puts soul into it that Bobby lacks.
"Shortly before his murder, John Lennon recorded "Serve Yourself" in response to Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody"."
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
I didn't know that. Good for you John.
sans wrote:
I see you have trouble with the word "not". Yeah it's a toughie.
Great groove and a classic Dylan flavor– love the backing vocals and vamping organ. And for you haters, not choosing is a choice.
I see you have trouble with the word "not". Yeah it's a toughie.
sans wrote:
Hovel or mansion?
Great groove and a classic Dylan flavor– love the backing vocals and vamping organ. And for you haters, not choosing is a choice.
Hovel or mansion?
There's a lot of truth in this one.
Boy, this is some of the worse singing you will ever hear!
Love this song! 9!!
Great groove and a classic Dylan flavor– love the backing vocals and vamping organ. And for you haters, not choosing is a choice.
Supper's ready...
bachbeet wrote:
Sounds like it's "I don't gotta serve nobody" for you.
Never liked the "Christian" Dylan. Never liked this song. Got news for you Bob, I don't have to serve somebody.
Sounds like it's "I don't gotta serve nobody" for you.
Marginal at best.
this sounded great after Joan Osborne doing his song "Long Back Coat" —very nice.
a_genuine_find wrote:
I suspect Kenny G blows the saxophone well, but...
This feels to me like putting Mother Theresa in a beauty contest.
Sure, she's 'beautiful', just not in the spirit of the venue.
I get it that BD is a talented (even ground breaking) song writer but he can't sing (or play) to save his life.
I suspect Kenny G blows the saxophone well, but...
Kokoloco53 wrote:
reason06 wrote:
Even back in the 60's, when (in my opinion) Dylan was at his best, I sometimes found him very self-righteous and arrogant and actually very intolerant - always something wrong with others but never himself. When he became a real right-wing Jesus freak, I lost any respect I had for him.
You got it, Born again Bob Dylan, I remember well when the album was released with much hoopla about Dylan's recent conversion to Born Again Christianity. That's what can happen if you take too many drugs. Like Cheech and Chongs timeless skit where Chong laments,"I used to be all messed up on drugs, now, I'm all messed up on the Lord."
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
reason06 wrote:
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
Even back in the 60's, when (in my opinion) Dylan was at his best, I sometimes found him very self-righteous and arrogant and actually very intolerant - always something wrong with others but never himself. When he became a real right-wing Jesus freak, I lost any respect I had for him.
Dylan,,,telling it, like it is !
If you live long enough humility will become truth.
This feels to me like putting Mother Theresa in a beauty contest.
Sure, she's 'beautiful', just not in the spirit of the venue.
I get it that BD is a talented (even ground breaking) song writer but he can't sing (or play) to save his life.
Another Dylan confession from me, who respects but doesn't generally enjoy listening to him, I loved this album and this song!! I know, I know .... ever on the outskirts of popular opinion.
pretty weak Dylan right here
westslope wrote:
Totally - it's just about humility. What's extra great about the song is that Bob as a person embodies and transcends both massive ego and total modesty.
You don't have to be a Jesus Freak for these lyrics to ring true.
Totally - it's just about humility. What's extra great about the song is that Bob as a person embodies and transcends both massive ego and total modesty.
Faith, Love. Hope. If this is Jesus, why all of the negative. A battle of powers and principalities clearly exists. Your gonna have to serve somebody.
In the late 1970s, Dylan became a born-again Christian<145><146><147> and released two albums of Christian gospel music. Slow Train Coming (1979) featured the guitar accompaniment of Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits) and was produced by veteran R&B producer, Jerry Wexler. Wexler recalled that when Dylan had started to evangelize to him during the recording, he replied: "Bob, you're dealing with a sixty-two-year old Jewish atheist. Let's just make an album."
Years ago they ... said I was a prophet. I used to say, "No I'm not a prophet" they say "Yes you are, you're a prophet." I said, "No it's not me." They used to say "You sure are a prophet." They used to convince me I was a prophet. Now I come out and say Jesus Christ is the answer. They say, "Bob Dylan's no prophet." They just can't handle it.
Dylan's embrace of Christianity was unpopular with some of his fans and fellow musicians.<151> Shortly before his murder, John Lennon recorded "Serve Yourself" in response to Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody".
-wiki
Years ago they ... said I was a prophet. I used to say, "No I'm not a prophet" they say "Yes you are, you're a prophet." I said, "No it's not me." They used to say "You sure are a prophet." They used to convince me I was a prophet. Now I come out and say Jesus Christ is the answer. They say, "Bob Dylan's no prophet." They just can't handle it.
Dylan's embrace of Christianity was unpopular with some of his fans and fellow musicians.<151> Shortly before his murder, John Lennon recorded "Serve Yourself" in response to Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody".
-wiki
reason06 wrote:
That sounds about right.
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
That sounds about right.
Darlington wrote:
Dylan gets cooler the older he gets...
The playlist calls this circa 1979.
Dylan gets cooler the older he gets...
The playlist calls this circa 1979.
spigolli wrote:
Dylan gets cooler the older he gets...
Love those soulful backing vocals! Dylan well past his prime is still not bad.
Dylan gets cooler the older he gets...
jonahboo wrote:
Yep....
KNOPLER ON GUITAR IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN (WHOLE ALBUM)
Yep....
You don't have to be a Jesus Freak for these lyrics to ring true.
westslope -secular agnostic, baptized Lutheran and often fellow-travelling companion of the Roman Catholic church.
bachbeet wrote:
High water everywhere
Never liked the "Christian" Dylan. Never liked this song. Got news for you Bob, I don't have to serve somebody.
High water everywhere
The_Enemy wrote:
I thought it was David Steinberg. He had a reoccurring character (Ray J. Johnston) around the same time who's bit was....
"You don't have to call me Johnston... you can me Ray.. or you can call me Ray J... or you can call me RJ.... "
It's funny if you're 11 or you haven't seen it before. I can remember a lot of people riffing off of it at the time.
I don't think that's David Steinberg, the "booga-booga" guy, but I don't know who it was either. I did think it was funny that Bob stuck that in there. This song actually sounds a lot better now than it did when it came out. The "re-born" Dylan definitely rubbed me the wrong way.
I thought it was David Steinberg. He had a reoccurring character (Ray J. Johnston) around the same time who's bit was....
"You don't have to call me Johnston... you can me Ray.. or you can call me Ray J... or you can call me RJ.... "
It's funny if you're 11 or you haven't seen it before. I can remember a lot of people riffing off of it at the time.
I don't think that's David Steinberg, the "booga-booga" guy, but I don't know who it was either. I did think it was funny that Bob stuck that in there. This song actually sounds a lot better now than it did when it came out. The "re-born" Dylan definitely rubbed me the wrong way.
KNOPLER ON GUITAR IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN (WHOLE ALBUM)
Love those soulful backing vocals! Dylan well past his prime is still not bad.
black321 wrote:
I thought it was David Steinberg. He had a reoccurring character (Ray J. Johnston) around the same time who's bit was....
"You don't have to call me Johnston... you can me Ray.. or you can call me Ray J... or you can call me RJ.... <insert infinite variations and pad out the sketch for another 60 seconds>"
It's funny if you're 11 or you haven't seen it before. I can remember a lot of people riffing off of it at the time.
yes, the lyrics on this album are less than stellar
I think he was watching that Miller Lite commercial from the 70s..."and you can call me tom, or you can call me roger..."
still like this song though
I think he was watching that Miller Lite commercial from the 70s..."and you can call me tom, or you can call me roger..."
still like this song though
I thought it was David Steinberg. He had a reoccurring character (Ray J. Johnston) around the same time who's bit was....
"You don't have to call me Johnston... you can me Ray.. or you can call me Ray J... or you can call me RJ.... <insert infinite variations and pad out the sketch for another 60 seconds>"
It's funny if you're 11 or you haven't seen it before. I can remember a lot of people riffing off of it at the time.
bachbeet wrote:
So... I'll guess that you don't like "God's Gonna Cut You Down" either?
Never liked the "Christian" Dylan. Never liked this song. Got news for you Bob, I don't have to serve somebody.
So... I'll guess that you don't like "God's Gonna Cut You Down" either?
Never liked the "Christian" Dylan. Never liked this song. Got news for you Bob, I don't have to serve somebody.
reason06 wrote:
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
Jesus said he came to heal the sick. If you're not sick, no need for healing. Good for you. But the question is, are you really not sick or lame, or do you really need healing?
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
Jesus said he came to heal the sick. If you're not sick, no need for healing. Good for you. But the question is, are you really not sick or lame, or do you really need healing?
I actually think this is a very underated album, not his best but underated all the less.
yes, the lyrics on this album are less than stellar
I think he was watching that Miller Lite commercial from the 70s..."and you can call me tom, or you can call me roger..."
still like this song though
I think he was watching that Miller Lite commercial from the 70s..."and you can call me tom, or you can call me roger..."
still like this song though
I have every album Dylan has made...huge fan, but I never got the big deal about this.
You may be A
You may be B
You may be C
You may be D
Chorus line 1
Chorus line 1
Chorus line 2
Chorus line 1
You may be E
You may be F
You may be G
You may be H
Chorus line 1
Chorus line 1
Chorus line 2
Chorus line 1
You may be I
You may be J
You may be K
You may be L
repeat ad nauseum.
Bob's known for his amazing lyrics, but those are about as dull as it gets.
Kokoloco53 wrote:
You got it, Born again Bob Dylan, I remember well when the album was released with much hoopla about Dylan's recent conversion to Born Again Christianity. That's what can happen if you take too many drugs. Like Cheech and Chongs timeless skit where Chong laments,"I used to be all messed up on drugs, now, I'm all messed up on the Lord."
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
This is true of those that I know, and the harder the drugs, the more a freak for Jesus! Trading one crutch for another.
... Amen Zimmy!...
You got it, Born again Bob Dylan, I remember well when the album was released with much hoopla about Dylan's recent conversion to Born Again Christianity. That's what can happen if you take too many drugs. Like Cheech and Chongs timeless skit where Chong laments,"I used to be all messed up on drugs, now, I'm all messed up on the Lord."
I don't do drugs anymore either, but I don't do Jesus either. Do life. Do good to others.
I think what he means is your gonna lean towards good or evil...honesty or dishonesty.. humility or arogance..faithful or unfaithful..one side of the fence or the other..freedom of choice is what you got !sqqqrly wrote:
Ya, right... Even my favorite barkeeps, Tina and Ginger, are not volunteering. They expect to be paid.
wferrier wrote:
Good service is voluntary, no place for gotta. But I always liked this album anyway.
Ya, right... Even my favorite barkeeps, Tina and Ginger, are not volunteering. They expect to be paid.
Good service is voluntary, no place for gotta. But I always liked this album anyway.
DoctorHooey wrote:
Yes, yes you do have to serve somebody. Preferably with some fava beans and a nice chianti
My GOD this is funny!!!!!
Yes, indeed...
Ooohh Dylan Baby, you are just so timeless. I really like Time out of Mind...the progression has been good.
lord, thanks.
and what I like doesn't mater;. = )
joeheyming wrote:
It may be the devil or it may be the lord, but you gotta serve somebody.
Very witty and inciteful.
Like inciting a Holy War?
DoctorHooey wrote:
Yes, yes you do have to serve somebody. Preferably with some fava beans and a nice chianti
What about vegetarians? Do they make Tofu-rky people I can serve?
I tried to sing this to my husband when he told me he was lucky to not have a boss. Every body got a boss, babe.
TheFriendlyCat wrote:
I love his songs, but i'm just not keen on his voice and singing style. (btw, FIRST!)
I agree. The best versions of his tunes are usually by other people --- Dave Alvin's Highway 61, Steve Hackett's The Man in the Long Black Coat, the Byrds stuff, on and on.
Only Dylan could pull off Things Have Changed, though. Classic.
It may be the devil or it may be the lord, but you gotta serve somebody.
Very witty and inciteful.
Yes, yes you do have to serve somebody. Preferably with some fava beans and a nice chianti
Thought provoking lyrics..makes me look inside (introspective)
This is a great followup to Joan Osborne's cover of Man in The Long Black Coat because it shows both singers out of their element. How many Dylan cuts have a straight blues beat and backup?
I loved both songs.
Plaintive.
This song should be followed by John Lennon's parody "Serve Yourself".
I love his songs, but i'm just not keen on his voice and singing style.
(btw, FIRST!)
Pick up the Book and read !