Released in 2003, it became an instant classic, not just for its catchy melody and playful lyrics, but for the unique pairing of country music heavyweight Alan Jackson and the king of beach bum anthems, Jimmy Buffett.
Background
Jackson, known for his smooth baritone and heartland storytelling, had already carved a massive niche in country music by the early 2000s. Tracks like “Chattahoochee” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” cemented his status as a singer who could weave relatable tales of small-town life and blue-collar struggles. Enter Jimmy Buffett, the man synonymous with margaritas, flip-flops, and a carefree island vibe. Buffett’s career, by contrast, was built on escapism – transporting listeners to sun-drenched beaches with songs like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
So, on the surface, a collaboration between these two musical titans might seem like an unlikely one. But It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere proved to be a stroke of brilliance. The song, written by Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins, captured the universal sentiment of wanting to unwind after a long day, regardless of the time zone.
The beauty lies in its simplicity. The opening lines, sung by Jackson, paint a picture of a sweltering day with a clock “movin’ slow.” He craves a “something tall an’ strong,” the monotony broken only by the liberating thought – “It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care / It’s five o’clock somewhere.” This line, of course, becomes the song’s unforgettable refrain, a playful justification for an early-afternoon drink.
Buffett’s entry in the second verse injects his signature island cool. Trading in the Stetson for a straw hat, he ponders, “what time zone am I on, what country am I in?” before declaring, “Changes nothin’ – it’s five o’clock somewhere, my friends.” The laid-back vocals and the relaxed steel guitar riffs create a perfect sonic counterpoint to Jackson’s more traditional country arrangement.
The magic of It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere lies in its ability to transcend genre. It’s a song for the cubicle dweller yearning for a beach vacation, the construction worker seeking solace after a hard day, or simply anyone who appreciates a good excuse to raise a glass. It’s a testament to the power of music to bring people together, a reminder that a shared love of unwinding can bridge any musical divide. The song’s success wasn’t just commercial, with over a million copies sold and reaching number one on the Billboard Country Charts. It also garnered critical acclaim, winning the Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 2003, notably Buffett’s first ever CMA award.
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere became more than a song; it became a cultural phenomenon. It spawned countless t-shirts, bar signs, and even a line of Margaritaville merchandise. Perhaps most importantly, it offered a lighthearted philosophy for navigating the daily grind – a reminder that somewhere in the world, it’s always cocktail hour. So, whether you’re a country music diehard or a Parrot Head devoted to Buffett’s island lifestyle, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere is a song that invites you to kick back, relax, and celebrate the simple joy of letting loose.
Harley