Gotta Serve Somebody (With Lacy J. Dalton)
David Allan Coe · Other Songs - David Allan Coe
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, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
You might be a rock 'n' roll man, prancing on the stage
Plenty of drugs at your command and women in a cage
You might be a businessman or some high degree thief
They may call you 'Doctor', they may call you 'Chief'
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh, serve somebody, yeah, yeah, serve somebody
Oh, it may be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Now, you may be a State Trooper, you might be a young Turk
You may even be the head of some great big TV network
You may be rich or poor and you may be blind or chained
You might be living in another country under another name
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh, serve somebody, serve somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're still gonna have to serve somebody
Maybe a construction worker working on a home
Might be living in a mansion, you might live in a dome
You may own guns, you may even own tanks
You may be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh yeah, serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh, it might be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
Now you can call me Terry or you might call me Moore
You may call me David or you might call me Coe
You can call me RJ or you can call me Ray
You can call me anything, I don't care what you say
You're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh, serve somebody, serve somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a rock 'n' roll star, prancing on the stage
You got plenty of drugs at your command, you got women in a cage
You might be a big businessman or some high degree thief
Now they might call you 'Doctor', they might call you 'Chief'
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
It might be the devil, it might be, it might be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Oh man, you're gonna have to serve somebody, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
Serve somebody, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
Serve somebody, serve somebody
Somebody, somebody
It might be the devil or it might be the Lord
About Gotta Serve Somebody (With Lacy J. Dalton)
David Allan Coe's "Gotta Serve Somebody (With Lacy J. Dalton)" stands as a defining example of his signature blend of country, blues, and rockabilly, delivered with his characteristic gravelly voice and unapologetic storytelling. Recorded during the height of his career, the track exemplifies the raw, gritty aesthetic that made him a central figure in the outlaw country movement. Featuring the vocal talents of Lacy J. Dalton, the song showcases Coe's ability to craft narratives steeped in moral ambiguity and human struggle, themes that have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. The recording captures the essence of Coe's discography, where he often challenged social norms while exploring the complexities of the American South. Collaborating with Dalton highlights his willingness to work with diverse vocalists to enhance the emotional depth of his compositions. This song remains a staple in discussions regarding the evolution of country music, reflecting an era where artistic integrity and commercial success often walked hand in hand. Its enduring appeal lies in its authentic delivery and the timeless themes of service, redemption, and the search for meaning within a flawed world.