I learned about Jimmy Buffett’s death on Saturday morning and knew I had to call an audible for this week’s blog entries. I couldn’t let the passing of such an iconic performer go unrecognized.
I’m a casual Jimmy Buffett fan, which seems appropriate given the man’s laid-back vibe. I’ve never owned one of his 29 studio albums. My Buffett collection has always consisted of just one release: the 1985 greatest hits record Songs You Know By Heart.
That album certainly lived up to its name. It’s 13 tracks are indelibly imprinted on me, each one capturing the unique bend of country, folk and island music that made Buffett such a fun listen.
This week I’ll feature five songs from that album. Though I’m sure Buffett has written and recorded plenty of great songs in the 38 years since, there is more than enough greatness there to recognize the legend.
First up is ‘Son of a Son of a Sailor,’ the title track of Buffett’s eighth album, released in 1978. This song beautifully sums up Buffett’s sound and spirit.
“Where it all ends I can’t fathom my friends,” he sings. I’m confident his impact isn’t going to end anytime soon.
As the son of a son of a sailor
I went out on the sea for adventure
Expanding the view of the captain and crew
Like a man just released from indenture
[Verse 2]
As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin’ man
I have chalked up many a mile
Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks
And I learned much from both of their styles
[Chorus 1]
Son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor
Son of a gun, load the last ton
One step ahead of the jailer
[Verse 3]
Now away in the near future
Southeast of disorder
You can shake the hand of the mango man
As he greets you at the border
[Verse 4]
And the lady, she hails from Trinidad
Island of the spices
Salt for your meat and cinnamon sweet
And the rum is for all your good vices
[Verse 5]
Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind
That our forefathers harnessed before us
Hear the bells ring as the tight rigging sings
It’s a son of a gun of a chorus
[Verse 6]
Where it all ends I can’t fathom my friends
If I knew I might toss out my anchor
So I cruise along, always searchin’ for songs
Not a lawyer, a thief, or a banker
[Chorus ]
But a son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor
Son of a gun, load the last ton
One step ahead of the jailer
[Chorus 2]
I’m just a son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor
The sea’s in my veins, my tradition remains
I’m just glad I don’t live in a trailer
Meet Me In Montauk 
We were shocked and saddened by Buffett’s passing. Thank you for calling the audible to feature a week of his music.
I was surprised to learn that Buffett was never inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I hope that is posthumously corrected soon.
This is the only album I ever owned though I saw him in concert and have enjoyed Buffet playlists curated by a Daniel who is as passionate about Buffet’s music as he is about his spirit.
The number of posts by the most to least famous people celebrating the kindness and generosity of spirit that Buffet displayed to anyone he met is a testament to the life he led and the impact he had. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to reflect on his musical legacy this week.