Jimmy Buffett had a way with words. The beloved singer, known for such hits as “Margaritaville” and “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” passed away on Friday (September 1) at the age of 76. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” his family said in a statement on social media. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
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The beloved singer’s legacy lives on through his songs, particularly his lyrics that range from colorful to thought-provoking. Check out some of his best lyrics below.
1. Tomorrow’s right around the corner/I’ll get there somehow/But I’m stuck in the meantime/And I love the now (“I Love the Now”)
Buffett captures the art of being present in “I Love the Now.” Co-written by Buffett and actress Carrie Fisher, “I Love the Now” was the opening track on Buffett’s 1986 album, Floridays. It finds the singer taking a stand against getting sucked into the rat race of life, instead choosing to slow down and celebrate the present moment. Though he’s known for his beachy songs, “I Love the Now” showed off his thoughtful songwriting.
2. It’s those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes/Nothing remains quite the same/With all of our running and all of our cunning/If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane (“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”)
Like “I Love the Now,” Buffett encourages listeners to take a breath with “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” Written solely by Buffett, “Changes” is the opening track of his 1977 album of the same name. Here, he takes the listener on a journey through his adventures from Paris to somewhere tropical with a bottle of rum. The lyrics above demonstrate how Buffett is able to provoke contemplation with just a few simple words.
3. Lakes below the mountain/Flow into the sea/Like oils applied to canvas/They permeate through me (“One Particular Harbour”)
One of the most popular songs in Buffett’s catalog also showcases some of his best writing. Co-written by the singer and Tahitian singer-songwriter Bobby Holcomb, “Harbour” was written during a trip to the Caribbean islands. The lyrics capture the sights and sounds of paradise. Buffett knows how to paint a picture with words, and the lyrics above prove that.
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4. Nothing can tear you apart/If you keep living straight from the heart/Though you know that you’re gonna hurt some/The magic will come (“Bring Back the Magic”)
Buffett essentially says it all with the line Nothing can tear you apart/If you keep living straight from the heart. This sweet song pulls at the heartstrings, particularly with the lyrics above. Buffett is keeping an open mind and vulnerable heart, encouraging others to do the same.
5. I’m just hangin’ on while this old world keeps spinning/And it’s good to know it’s out of my control/If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this livin’/Is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go (“Trip Around the Sun”)
Buffett gets particularly nostalgic on “Trip Around the Sun,” one of the rare songs he didn’t have a hand in writing. Penned by Al Anderson, Stephen Bruton and Sharon Vaughn, the then 57-year-old turned this into a duet with Martina McBride. Here, he reflects on life and the wisdom he’s gained, with the lyrics above proving particularly poignant, especially after his death.
Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
