Nichole Nordeman was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she played the piano in church. She got her start when she entered a Gospel Music Association (GMA) contest in Los Angeles, California and was noticed by a music producer. She has won multiple GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her best-known songs include "Why," "This Mystery," "Holy", "Legacy," "Brave," and "What If." She also sang a song on the soundtrack Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, called "I Will Believe"
Gotta Serve Somebody
Nichole Nordeman Lyrics
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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
You might be a rock and roll addict
Prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command
Or women in a cage
You may be a businessman
Or some high degree thief
They may call you doctor
They may call you chief
You're gonna have to serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
You might be a state trooper
You might be a young tough
You might be the head
Of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor
You may be blind or lame
You may be livin' in another country
Underneath another name
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes indeed, 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
Takin' bribes on the side
You may be working in a barbershop
Knowin' how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress
Maybe somebody's heir
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Yes, you are, mmm, yeah
It might be the Devil
Or it might be the Lord
You're gonna have to serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
You might like to wear cotton
You might like to wear silk
You might like to drink whiskey
You might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar
You might like to eat bread
You may like to be sleeping on the floor
Sleepin' in a king-size bed
You're gonna have to serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
You're gonna have to serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
It might be the Devil
It might be the Lord
The song “Gotta Serve Somebody” by Nichole Nordeman declares a universal truth – everyone has to serve somebody, whether it's the Lord or the devil. She presents different examples of people and their professions, socio-economic status, hobbies, and interests, emphasizing that none of these matter in the end because every person is going to have to answer to someone or something. “You may be the heavyweight Champion of the world, You might be a socialite with a long string of pearls, You might be a rock and roll addict prancing on the stage, You might have drugs at your command or 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.” The song does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the righteous and the wicked, rather it reminds us that everyone is accountable to someone.
Through the lyrics, Nordeman conveys that no matter what your occupation, your interests or your status, you will have to serve somebody. You can be anything from an ambassador to a preacher or a City Councilman, and you still will have to serve somebody – either the Lord or the Devil. The tone of the song suggests that we should be mindful of our actions and decisions, and recognize that our choices are not made in isolation from those around us. The song can be interpreted as a message to all people to be aware of who we serve, and to align ourselves with the things that matter most.
Line by Line Meaning
You may be an ambassador
To England or France
You could hold a high-profile position in government, serving as the representative of your homeland in a foreign country
You might like to gamble
You might like to dance
You may enjoy taking risks and engaging in activities that bring you pleasure and entertainment
You may be the heavyweight
Champion of the world
You could be widely recognized as the best in your field or sport, having achieved the pinnacle of success in your career
You might be a socialite
With a long string of pearls
You may be a popular and outgoing person who enjoys attending high society events and displaying their wealth through flashy accessories
You might be a rock and roll addict
Prancing on the stage
You may have a passionate love for music, performing in front of large crowds and using your talent to captivate audiences
You might have drugs at your command
Or women in a cage
You could possess a great deal of power or influence over others, using it to obtain whatever you desire regardless of the cost to those around you
You may be a businessman
Or some high degree thief
You may earn your living through legitimate means or through illegal activities, accumulating wealth in either case
They may call you doctor
They may call you chief
You could hold an important title, such as a doctor or CEO, which commands respect and influence
You're gonna have to serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
Regardless of your position or status in life, you will always have someone or something that exercises control over you and requires your loyalty and service
You might be a state trooper
You might be a young tough
You might be the head
Of some big TV network
You may work in a law enforcement position or hold a tough, intimidating demeanor, or you could be in charge of a major media company
You may be rich or poor
You may be blind or lame
You may be livin' in another country
Underneath another name
You could come from any background, with varying levels of physical ability and cultural identity
Yes indeed, serve somebody
(Serve somebody)
The fact remains that you will always have a higher power or authority to which you must submit, regardless of your personal beliefs or preferences
Well it may be the Devil
Or it may be the Lord
You may choose to live your life according to the guidance of a religious or spiritual figure, or you may be guided by a darker, more sinister force
You may be a preacher
With your spiritual pride
You may be a City Councilman
Takin' bribes on the side
You could be someone who espouses virtues like honesty and morality as a religious leader, or you could be a lawmaker who is corrupt and willing to do whatever it takes to gain power and wealth
You may be working in a barbershop
Knowin' how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress
Maybe somebody's heir
You might work in a modest profession or be involved in a scandalous affair, or you could come from a wealthy family that has been around for generations
You might like to wear cotton
You might like to wear silk
You might like to drink whiskey
You might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar
You might like to eat bread
You may like to be sleeping on the floor
Sleepin' in a king-size bed
You could have a variety of personal preferences and tastes, from simple and humble to luxurious and indulgent, but ultimately you will still have to submit to a higher authority in some way
Contributed by Colin V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.