Jimmy Buffett - Sailing Off into the Sunset

Although I was never a "Parrot Head", I always loved the vibe of Jimmy Buffet's music. There was a special kind of connection that his songs had with the listener. Who could pass up an opportunity to be transported to a tropical island surrounded by good times and boat drinks? Even if it was virtual? Triggering emotions, especially pleasurable ones, is what the best songwriters do. And Jimmy Buffett certainly did that. His songs were a mix of fun and positivity.

We've all heard the term "a picture is worth a thousand words". I also think that a simple sentence can deliver the same result. Buffett made a habit of doing this through his songs. A few examples:

• "Go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see"
• "Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been"
• "If the phone doesn't ring, it's me"
• "I'd rather die while I'm living than live when I'm dead"
• "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane"
• "If life gives you limes, make margaritas"

I was first introduced to Buffett as a young kid when "Margaritaville" was getting a lot of airplay on the local radio stations. I didn't quite get the song as a youngster. I didn't even know what a Margarita was. But nonetheless, I thought it was a catchy tune. Through the years, "Margaritaville" became a crowd favorite at sporting events, karaoke bars and pretty much anywhere. (In the same fashion as the "Bah-Bah-Bah" addition in Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline", I always hated the "Salt-Salt-Salt" line that was added to the chorus of "Margaritaville" by the bar crowds.)

Self-described as "drunken Caribbean rock and roll" and "Gulf and Western", Buffett's music was synonymous with a good time. He produced the same euphoric effect as Bob Marley. Is it just a coincidence that Buffett named his back-up band the Coral Reefers? And more recently, Kenny Chesney took a page out of Buffett's book and launched his own successful beach-themed career. And Buffett's collaboration with Alan Jackson on "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" gave an added dose of inspiration to day-drinkers everywhere.

There was a "Cheeseburger In Paradise" bar/restaurant in my hometown of Pasadena, MD. Tina and I used to love going there for dinner and drinks. With Jimmy Buffett tunes playing over the sound system, it was always a festive time. No doubt, I drank my share of Landshark lager there. Unfortunately, it closed a few years ago and it has since been transformed into "Oscar's Alehouse". Although we still occasionally go there and do enjoy it, it's not quite the same.

Sadly, Jimmy Buffet sailed off for the final time a few days ago at the age of 76. While his faithful Parrot Heads will never get to see him play live again, his music will forever be part of their lives. Similar to a Timex watch, Buffett's music will no doubt keep on ticking for generations to come.

kw