Back in 1964, Bob Dylan wrote a seven-minute ant-establishment tirade called “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” that appeared on his “Bringing it All Back Home” album the following year. One of the most enduring parts of the song was the line: “But even the president of the United States must stand naked.”

About 15 years later, Dylan touched on a similar theme in Gotta Serve Somebody. The lyrics send a message that regardless of who you are or what you have achieved, you’re subject to judgment:

You may be an ambassador to England or France
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
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

With the possible indictment of former President Donald Trump looming, “‘”Gotta Serve Somebody is this week’s Sharp Notes Monday selection.

As part of our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media project, we share a song every Monday to start your week.

View previous Sharp Notes Monday selections.

Visit our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media page to learn more about the project and view videos of our presentations.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Music and Social Justice, Sharp Notes Monday, Sharp Notes Sharp Thoughts

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