I don’t know how many artists have written at least two songs that inspired restaurants, but such is the appeal of Jimmy Buffett. I’ll get to his most famous brand later this week, but today I’ll celebrate ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise.’
This song appeared on 1978’s Son of a Son of a Sailor and reached #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 as the album’s first single. It later became track one on the smash greatest hits collection Songs You Know By Heart.
Chronicling the journey of a man who went more than two months as a vegetarian before succumbing to the titular delicacy, this song never ceases to make my mouth water.
Given that it so explicitly describes a delicious American cheeseburger, it’s no surprise that the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” became a menu item at Buffett-owned eateries and later the name of a chain of restaurants. The last of those closed in 2020.
A separate, Hawaii-based, restaurant used the name without permission and was sued by Buffett in 1997. They reached an agreement that allowed the name to remain in place. My family and I ate at the Lahaina, Maui, location a couple of years ago. Sadly, it was destroyed by this summer’s fires.
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits
Made it nearly seventy days
Losin’ weight without speed, eatin’ sunflower seeds
Drinkin’ lots of carrot juice and soakin’ up rays
[Verse 2]
But at night I’d have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zucchini, fettuccini, or bulgur wheat
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat
[Chorus 1]
Cheeseburger in paradise
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
Not too particular, not too precise
I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Verse 3]
Heard about the old-time sailor men
They eat the same thing again and again
Warm beer and bread, they say, could raise the dead
Well, it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday Inn
[Verse 4]
But times have changed for sailors these days
When I’m in port, I get what I need
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
But that American creation on which I feed
[Chorus 2]
Cheeseburger in paradise
Medium rare with Muenster’d be nice
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Bridge]
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good god Almighty, which way do I steer?
[Chorus 3]
For my cheeseburger in paradise
Makin’ the best of every virtue and vice
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice
To get a cheeseburger in paradise
[Refrain]
To be a cheeseburger in paradise
I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Bridge]
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good god Almighty, which way do I steer?
Meet Me In Montauk 
Pure joy – both the song and the meal.😂
This is one of a couple of songs (Fins being the other) that is the most fun to experience live. A crowd bellowing out “I like mine with lettuce and tomato/ Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes” is, as Dana says, pure joy.
That Buffet’s business acumen never diluted his fan’s love of the music is a testament to how well he balanced it all.
Interesting to read stuff about someone I really didn’t know except for his wonderful music.