Bob Dylan / 5:55
Musicians: Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar, harmonica (?); Fred Tackett: guitar; Spooner Oldham: organ; Barry Beckett: electric piano; Terry Young: piano; Tim Drummond: bass; Jim Keltner: drums; Clydie King, Mona Lisa Young, and Regina Havis: backup vocals / Recording Studio: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Sheffield, Alabama: February 12, 1980 / Producers: Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett / Sound Engineer: Gregg Hamm
In the form of a new prayer originating in his newfound faith in Jesus Christ, Bob Dylan here expresses thanks to God, who has given everything to him, “pulled [him] out of bondage,” and “made [him] renewed inside”—Jesus Christ, who has “given [him] life to live.” He knows he will never give back as much as he has received, but he still asks in the chorus, “What can I do for You?… / How can I live for You?” The answer is in the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Ephesians: “Above all, take up the great shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (6:16).
“What Can I Do for You?” was recorded in two takes on February 12, 1980, including a false start. With a guitar sound colored by the chorus/flanger effect, organ, and chorus with gospel airs, this song was another tribute by Dylan to the One who had inspired his faith. It stands out not only for his emotional singing, but for his saturated, rock-style harmonica solo (in E-flat), somewhat similar to the revolutionary harmonica player Little Walter. To hear a great harmonica player, simply listen to Dylan with the organ from 5:05 on.