Released in 2003, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” became an instant anthem for beach bums, sun-seekers, and anyone who ever craved a tropical escape. But the song’s journey began long before Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson took the stage together.
The magic lies in its simple yet profound message: no matter where you are in the world, there’s always a place where it’s cocktail hour. Songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins penned the lyrics in 1998, capturing the carefree spirit of island life and the universal desire to unwind after a long day.
Their creation landed in the hands of Kenny Chesney, who initially recorded the song but never released it. Fortunately, the demo found its way to Alan Jackson, who recognized its potential and recorded his own version. But the true magic happened when Jimmy Buffett, known for his laid-back island sound, joined Jackson for a duet.
The 2003 release became a smash hit, topping the country charts for eight weeks and reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success transcended genres, resonating with audiences tired of the daily grind and yearning for a taste of paradise.
Beyond its catchy melody and singalong chorus, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” offered a lighthearted escape. The music video, featuring Jackson and Buffett on yachts and tropical beaches, further solidified the song’s association with carefree living.
Even today, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” remains a beloved classic. It’s a song for raising a glass, celebrating life’s little joys, and remembering that somewhere in the world, the sun is setting on a perfect beach day, and it’s always five o’clock somewhere. So crank up the music, grab your favorite drink, and let the good times roll – wherever you are in the world.
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Lyrics
The sun is hot and that old clock is movin’ slow An’ so am I Work day passes like molasses in wintertime But it’s July I’m gettin’ paid by the hour, an’ 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 an’ 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 An’ 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 Our Jamaican vacation’s gonna start right here Hit the phones for me You can tell ’em I just sailed away
An’ pour me somethin’ tall an’ 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, pour myself in a cab An’ be back to work before two At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder What would Jimmy Buffet do?
Funny you should ask, Alan… I’d say Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong Make it a Hurricane before I go insane It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ 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 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 Yessir 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 Bring the booze, I tell you 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
