Dylan started his musical odyssey in 1959 when he began playing in Dinkytown, Minneapolis while attending the University of Minnesota. Shortly after starting to play he changed his stage name to Bob Dylan, after being influenced by the poetry of Dylan Thomas before legally changing his name in 1962.
Much of his best known work is from the 1960s, when he became an informal documentarian and reluctant figurehead of American unrest, promoted by Joan Baez. Some of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements, with Joan Baez and Dylan singing together at the March on Washington in 1963. However he later became disenchanted with the civil liberty protest scene, feeling that he had been used by them.
His album Bringing It All Back Home marked a move away from the folk scene and a move towards rock and roll and Dylan began to consciously distance himself from his early association with civil rights. He also started to become irritated when being interviewed, often given facetious or irreverent answers to questions. Bringing It All Back Home was a controversial album as it the first on which he played electric guitar. This was seen by some of his fans as a betrayal of this folk roots, with some saying that it obscured his meaningful and poetic lyrics.
The second half of the 1960s was marked by a string of well received releases, with his song "Like a Rolling Stone", released in July of 1965, later being named "The Greatest Song of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004, placing #1 in a list of 500 titles. It also marked the formation of Dylan's backing band The Hawks (who would later call themselves simply The Band). Dylan embarked on a world tour of Australia and Europe in 1966, during which he seemed to be under a lot of strain and pressure by both his fans, the music press and his own promoters. Dylan himself admitted that he began taking drugs seriously whilst on this tour, and found it immensely hard work. On returning to New York he crashed his motorbike, sustaining serious injuries in the process, and went into a period of withdrawal while he recuperated. During the late 1960s, Dylan again changed stylistic tradition, moving away from the psychedelic culture of the time. It was then that he recorded All Along the Watchtower, perhaps more famously recorded by Jimi Hendrix.
The 1970s were a period during which Dylan was more sporadic in his output, releasing some poorly received LPs. He rarely appeared in person until 1974, when he began touring again with his backing band The Band. He also wrote one of his most extensively covered songs, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, as well as what is now recognised as one of his best albums Blood On The Tracks. Towards the end of the 1970s, Dylan discovered Christ, and released some albums of gospel music. He started to talk to the crowd about his faith during his performances, and wouldn't play any of his early work, which alienated some of his previous fans.
Dylan today still remains an influential and popular artist; despite a period of little note between 1980-2000, his 2006 album Modern Times reached the US chart at #1, as did his 2009 album Together Through Life, in the US, Britain, France and several other countries. His 2012 album Tempest was also critically acclaimed. Since 1988, Dylan has been on the so-called Never Ending Tour, during which his performances have provoked controversy, with some critics claiming that his lyrics have become incomprehensible, an experience which is not helped by his tendency to change his set-list and vocals almost every performance.
Bob Dylan's strong influence over the past few years is becoming even more prominent amongst a growing group of younger emerging artists such as George Ellias and Devendra Banhart. Dylan's early lyrics incorporated politics, social commentary, philosophy and literary influences, defying existing pop music conventions and appealing widely to the counterculture of the time. While expanding and personalizing musical styles, Dylan has shown steadfast devotion to traditions of American song, from folk and country/blues to rock and roll and rockabilly, to Gaelic balladry, even jazz, swing and Broadway.
Dylan performs with the guitar, keyboard and harmonica. Backed by a changing lineup of musicians, he has toured steadily since the late 1980s. He has also recently performed alongside other iconic artists, such as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and Eric Clapton. Although his contributions as a performer and recording artist have been central to his career, his songwriting is generally held as his highest accomplishment.
Nobel Prize for Literature (2016) - On October 13, 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. The prestigious award has been given annually since 1901 and previous Nobel Laureates for Literature include Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. Here is the speech written by Dylan, although unable to attend:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/10/arts/bob-dylan-nobel-prize-acceptance-speech.html?_r=0
Gotta Serve Somebody
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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'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
You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You may be a business man 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 (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 Turk
You may be the head of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks
But you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
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
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king sized bed
But you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody) yes, indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody (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, you may call me Zimmy
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray
You may call me anything but no matter what you say
Still, you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Ah, yeah
(Serve somebody)
In Bob Dylan's song "Gotta Serve Somebody," the message is clear: no matter who you are or what you do, you're going to have to serve somebody. The song is a reflection on the idea that every person must choose their beliefs, morals, and values that dictate how they live their life. Dylan's lyrics describe a wide variety of people from different walks of life, all of whom have to make this choice.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, explaining that whether you're an ambassador or a gambler, you'll still have to choose who or what you serve. The chorus repeats the theme in a more insistent manner, suggesting that the choice is not optional. It's up to you whether you serve the devil or the Lord, but one way or another, you will serve somebody.
Each subsequent verse describes a different character, including a rockstar, a state trooper, and even a preacher. Each character, regardless of their occupation or status, is still subject to the same decision that everyone else has to make. While some may think they're in control of their lives, Dylan's lyrics make it clear that everyone is ultimately beholden to something or someone else.
The song's overall message is that life is full of choices, but the most important one is determining who or what we serve. Whether we choose to serve the devil or the Lord, a particular belief system or set of values, the decision we make will ultimately define us.
Line by Line Meaning
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You could be someone who represents their country in the highest circles of diplomacy and power.
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You might be someone who enjoys taking risks or being the center of attention.
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You might be someone who has achieved the highest level of athletic success in the world of boxing.
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
You could be someone who is known for their wealth and social standing.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
No matter who you are or what you do, you will have to answer to someone or something higher than yourself.
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
The person or thing that you have to serve may either be the negative force in the world, or the positive one.
You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage
You could be someone who is consumed by the world of music and performance.
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You could have the power to control others, even if it is through morally questionable means.
You may be a business man or some high-degree thief
You could be someone who is successful in the world of commerce or someone who is skilled in stealing from others.
They may call you doctor or they may call you chief
You could have earned an impressive professional or societal title.
You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk
You could be someone who serves your country in a law enforcement role or someone who is young and ambitious.
You may be the head of some big TV network
You might have a high-level executive role in the television or media industry.
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
No matter what your physical or financial condition, you will still have to answer to a higher power.
You may be living in another country under another name
You could be living abroad or have changed your identity to avoid being caught for your actions.
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You might be someone who works in manual labor and helps build homes for others.
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You could be a person who lives in a luxurious home or someone who lives in a uniquely-shaped structure.
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You could be someone who possesses weapons of various degrees of lethality or even military equipment.
You might be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks
You could have control over the lives of others through owning property or financial establishments.
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You might be someone who speaks publicly about religion and is proud of your beliefs.
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You could be someone who is responsible for decisions in your local community, but also corrupt and willing to break the law.
You may be workin' in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You could be someone who performs a simple service for others, but has a valuable skill in doing so.
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir
You could be involved in a morally ambiguous relationship with someone else or be someone who will inherit their family's wealth.
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
You may have a preference for certain styles or fabrics of clothing.
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You may have different tastes in alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You could have different preferences in the types of food you eat.
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king sized bed
You could be living in vastly different levels of comfort or wealth from another person.
You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy
You could address me by any name and it wouldn't change the fact that I serve someone.
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy
You could use any number of nicknames to refer to me, but it doesn't change the fact that I serve someone.
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray
You could use any of several different variations of my name to refer to me, but it doesn't change the fact that I serve someone.
You may call me anything but no matter what you say
You may use any name you want for me, but it doesn't change the fact that I serve someone.
Still, you're gonna have to serve somebody
No matter how much you resist, you will still have to submit to a higher power.
Yes, you're gonna have to serve somebody (serve somebody)
Repeating the message that everyone will have to answer to a higher power in some way.
Ah, yeah
An exclamation of agreement and affirmation to previous lines.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@atallguynh
@@teresapoudrier494 Call it what you wish.
Once you see it you can't un-see it though. Endless calumnies from countless internet comments or even your closest friends can never shake you from it.
If you haven't seen it though, it is merely foolishness. Pablum of the ignorant masses who are easily deceived. Weak minded saps to be mocked, or perhaps just pitied for their naivete.
No amount of talk can bridge the gulf. You may as well attempt to explain the birthing process and the post-birth world to a fetus. And I don't mean this condescendingly at all.
You may be knocked over by a tidal wave, or you may be led gently to a lapping shore, but you'll be led one way or another to Something or Somebody.
@carolynzaremba5469
One of my favorites Bob Dylan songs. In times like these, a reminder to be careful who and what you serve.
@Officialbobdylan0
Hello Carolyn
How are you doing?
It's nice to have you here!
@antony9384
But there is no such thing as the devil or god
@creed22solar123
@@antony9384 God can be literal or metaphorical good, devil is evil. Is there no good and evil? You serve either one or the other, though you may not know it.
@billyruffin4692
I am a 56 year old Black man. This song is one of the BEST lyrics I've EVER heard. This song has a perfect combination of R&B, Rock 'n Roll, Country, Jazz, and easy listening groove and soul. Magnificent song.🤗🤗🤗🤗
@billgonzales2339
W ELCOME BILLY , TO THE WORLD OF BOB DYLAN A VERY SPECIAL SINGER SONG WRITER, PURE TALENT.
@potterj09
With you brother, might live in a mansion or might ive in a dome :P
@mikeoglen6848
Billy - Agreed!
@jacobking3211
Great song Billy.
@fackinmidgietook6953
get the 30th anniversary and hear Ritchie Havens do Just Like a Woman,, one of the best i've heard