Serve You
Chris Whitley Lyrics


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See the migrant wing against the sky
Know exactly where, don't know why

Some day I will serve you, some day
Some day I will serve you, some day

See the water falling from the cloud
Know exactly when, don't know how

Some day I will serve you, some day
Some day I will serve you, some day

Some day I will serve you, some day
Some day I will serve you, some day

Now the moon will rise on your naked faith
Cause a wave to break where you bathe

Some day I will serve you, some day
Some day I will serve you, some day




Some day I will serve you, some day
Some day I will serve you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Chris Whitley's "Serve You" are both puzzling and captivating at the same time. The song opens with an image of a "migrant wing against the sky," which immediately sets a tone of movement and transience. However, Whitley's choice to include "know exactly where, don't know why" lets listeners know that this isn't just any type of migration - there's a sense of purpose and directive behind it that's yet to be revealed.


This intriguing sense of mystery carries through the rest of the song, as Whitley invokes various natural elements and imagery. He speaks of water falling from clouds, the rise of the moon, and waves breaking on a shore. However, he always couples these descriptions with a sense of ambiguity - listeners have no idea when or how the water is falling or how the moon rising will affect the listener. This lack of certainty is mirrored in the repeated refrain of "some day I will serve you," where it's unclear exactly who or what Whitley is serving.


Overall, "Serve You" is a song that's open to many interpretations, and part of its beauty is in that ambiguity. It could be seen as a meditation on fate, or an ode to the unpredictability of nature. Whitley's haunting guitar and voice only add to the sense of mystery, creating a song that stays with the listener long after it's over.


Line by Line Meaning

See the migrant wing against the sky
Observing birds flying in formation against the backdrop of the sky, recognizing the sight but not comprehending the reason behind it.


Know exactly where, don't know why
Being able to identify the location of the birds but lacking the understanding of the purpose behind their flight path.


Some day I will serve you, some day
Expressing the desire to offer oneself for some greater purpose, without a specific timeline or plan.


See the water falling from the cloud
Observing rain falling from the clouds above, a phenomenon that is known and recognizable.


Know exactly when, don't know how
Being able to predict the timing of rainfall, but lacking knowledge of the mechanics or forces that generate it.


Now the moon will rise on your naked faith
Having the belief in something or someone exposed and illuminated, like the rising of the moon, a symbol of enlightenment.


Cause a wave to break where you bathe
The manifestation of the revealed belief causing an effect, like waves breaking on a beach where someone is bathing.


Some day I will serve you, some day
Reiterating the aspiration to contribute to a greater purpose, without specifying when this will happen.


Some day I will serve you, some day
Reiterating the aspiration to contribute to a greater purpose, without specifying when this will happen.


Some day I will serve you, some day
Reiterating the aspiration to contribute to a greater purpose, without specifying when this will happen.


Some day I will serve you
Stating the intention to offer oneself for some greater purpose, with conviction and determination.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS WHITLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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