Jimmy Buffett’s most enduring classic, and his only top ten hit, is more than just a song. ‘Margaritaville’ is a state of being, a way of life. It launched a chain of restaurants, resorts, and even retirement communities. It’s in the title of a satellite radio station and a Broadway show.
But before any of that, it was just a song. And it’s one of the greatest songs ever, if you ask me.
I’ve always felt ‘Margaritaville’ is the saddest of feel-good songs. Sure, it’s great to kick back poolside with the titular drink in your hand, but when you pay attention to the lyrics it’s quite the sob story. It’s about a man, not long after a breakup, losing a summer in a lazy alcoholic haze. He’s getting drunk enough to end up with a tattoo he doesn’t remember, and needs the booze just to “hang on.”
I do like that the narrator goes on a voyage of self-discovery through the song’s three verses, gradually accepting responsibility for his predicament. We’re left with a glimmer of hope that he’ll climb out of this malaise at some point.
‘Margaritaville,’ both the song and the associated businesses, will live on long past Jimmy Buffett. Through his music, he gave the world more than just entertainment. He gave us a sun-baked philosophy, a tropical religion. He will be dearly missed, but he will never be forgotten.
Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin’ my six-string on my front porch swing
Smell those shrimp, they’re beginnin’ to boil
[Chorus 1]
Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know it’s nobody’s fault
[Verse 2]
Don’t know the reason I stayed here all season
Nothin’ to show but this brand new tattoo
But it’s a real beauty, a Mexican cutie
How it got here I haven’t a clue
[Chorus 2]
Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
Now I think, hell, it could be my fault
[Verse 3]
I blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop top
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home
But there’s booze in the blender and soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on
[Chorus 3]
Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know it’s my own damn fault
[Outro]
Yes, and some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
And I know it’s my own damn fault
Meet Me In Montauk 
Buffett was a great artist and, based on all of the posts I have read this week from fellow musicians, friends, family and politicians, including a touching tribute from his daughter, a wonderful human being. He will certainly be missed. As others have said, rest in paradise. We’ll keep the party going.
Just loved your tribute to him this week❤️❤️