Introduction:
The live performance of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett highlights one of country music’s most iconic collaborations. Released in 2003 as the lead single from Jackson’s Greatest Hits Volume II, the song became a crossover sensation. It spent eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and even reached the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. The track also earned the duo the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year, a milestone that marked Buffett’s first major industry accolade in his decades-long career.
Written by Don Rollins and Jim “Moose” Brown, the song’s concept revolves around the carefree escapism associated with the phrase “It’s five o’clock somewhere.” Originally, the song was envisioned with a tropical vibe, making it an ideal fit for Buffett’s laid-back persona. While initially passed on by other artists, the addition of Buffett to Jackson’s country sensibility created a perfect blend of Nashville charm and island flair.
Their live performance, recorded during Jackson’s tour stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Texas, captured the crowd’s enthusiasm and the camaraderie between the two performers. The success of this collaboration sparked ongoing partnerships between Jackson and Buffett, including subsequent appearances together.
Today, the song remains a staple for country and tropical rock fans, embodying themes of relaxation and enjoyment that resonate across audiences. Its timeless appeal keeps it a favorite on playlists celebrating leisure and good times.
Video:
Lyrics:
“It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere”
And so am I.
Work day passes like molasses in wintertime,
But it’s July.
I’m gettin’ paid by the hour, and older by the minute.
My boss just pushed me over the limit.
I’d like to call him somethin’,
I think I’ll just call it a day.Pour me somethin’ tall and strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
It’s five o’clock somewhere.
Oh, this lunch break is gonna take all afternoon,
And half the night.
Tomorrow mornin’, I know there’ll be hell to pay,
Hey, but that’s all right.
I ain’t had a day off now in over a year.
My Jamaican vacation’s gonna start right here.
If the phone’s for me,
You can tell ’em I just sailed away.
And pour me somethin’ tall and strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
It’s five o’clock somewhere.
I could pay off my tab,
put myself in a cab,
And be back to work before two.
At a moment like this I can’t help but wonder,
What would Jimmy Buffett do?
Funny you should ask, Alan. I’d say,
Pour me somethin’ tall and strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
Pour me somethin’ tall and strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
He don’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s five o’clock somewhere.
What time zone am I on? What country am I in?
It doesn’t matter, it’s five o’clock somewhere.
It’s always on five in Margaritaville, come to think of it.
Yeah, I heard that.
You been there, haven’t you?
Yes sir.
I seen your boat there.
I’ve been to Margaritaville a few times.
All right, that’s good.
Stumbled all the way back.
OK. Just wanna make sure you can keep it between the navigational beacons.
Between the buoys, I got it.
All right. Well, it’s five o’clock. Let’s go somewhere.
I’m ready, crank it up.
Let’s get out of here.
I’m gone.