Jimmy Buffett

all that is sacred

The past two weeks have been incredibly hectic with work travel, truck maintenance, and college friends visiting. Within all of this excitement lies a layer of stress, and writing seems to be the best way to embrace it. In addition to writing, music does wonders for the human spirit. Music is something I am deeply passionate about, and although I have no musical talent, I’ve developed quite an ear for it. I attribute this ear to the role music played in my life as a child. Growing up, there were few moments of silence in the house or the car. We listened to every genre under the sun, but jazz, reggae, country (the good kind), Irish music, and Jimmy Buffett were the favorites. Yes, Jimmy is in a class of his own.

Earlier this week Yeti released a damn good video showing the culture of Key West in the 1970’s. The video highlighted the confluence of writers, musicians, and anglers that descended on the island, turning it into a bohemian playground. Although it was released after Jimmy’s death, he makes multiple appearances in the film.

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After watching this film, I decided to put together some thoughts about my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs. If you have a favorite Jimmy song or want to chime in, please let me know ii the comments!

First up is “Bama Breeze” from the 2006 album Take the Weather With You. This song is so deeply connected to my childhood that I feel transported back in time when I hear the introductory drumbeats. I can see my brother and I singing the lyrics as we run through the yard, swim at the lake, or drive down the road with the windows down. I had no idea who Mick Jagger was or why he wrote his name in the women’s bathroom, but you can bet that ‘in the ladies’ bathroom stall’ was my favorite verse.

My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I don’t Love Jesus

Another song that is inextricably linked to my childhood. With astonishing volume, my brother and I would sing ‘My head hurts, my feet stink, and I don’t love Jesus’. With particular emphasis on the “I don’t love Jesus” part. As a kid, I had no idea what Jimmy was singing about, but as an adult, this song resonates on a different level. The willpower to overcome that Sunday morning hangover and the desire to stay alive for the next weekend exists in each one of us. The day-to-day aspects of life can become mundane, but the weekend gives us something to look forward to. Jimmy preached this better than anyone else. Cheers to you, Mr. Buffett; I think I’ll have a second Friday evening beer.

That’s My Story And I’m Sticking To It

Welcome, Groovemaster Buffett! Jimmy does something absolutely wonderful here by combining his island vibes with a funk-style bass line. Within seconds of the song starting, I find myself falling into the groove and then being taken away to some island. I love this song because of how unique it is. I think it speaks wonders to who Jimmy Buffett was as an artist. His ability to collaborate with other musicians, never stick to one genre or vibe, and always keep the listener guessing is unparalleled. Jimmy makes music for every occasion.

Finally, I had the pleasure of attending Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year. Jimmy first played Jazz Fest in 1989 and has missed few years since then. This year, Jimmy couldn’t make it. I heard it was five o‘clock in heaven, and he had a beer to drink with the Big Man. Nonetheless, the Coral Reefer Band played their hearts out for the entire Jazz Fest crowd to celebrate the legacy of Jimmy Buffett.

Few musicians are as widely successful as Jimmy Buffett. While critics and some folks fail to understand the depth of his songs, his music captures a range of emotions that few artists can match. I’ll leave you with a couple lines from A Pirate Looks at Forty…

Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call
Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall
You've seen it all, you've seen it all

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Yes, I am a pirate, two hundred years too late
The cannons don't thunder, there's nothin' to plunder
I'm an over-forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late

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And I have been drunk now for over two weeks
I passed out and I rallied and I sprung a few leaks
But I got to stop wishin', got to go fishin'
Down to rock bottom again
Just a few friends, just a few friends

just a few friends and Jimmy

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