What Would Jimmy Buffett Do: 3 Songs That Highlight The Late, Great Musician’s Legacy

Jimmy Buffett was one of the most distinctive artists ever. Few musicians have had such an iron-clad legacy as Buffett and his brand of sun-soaked musicality. Naturally, his influence is unmistakable when you hear it on a song. Take the three songs below as examples. All of these artists have begged the question: What Would Jimmy Buffett Do?

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“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” – Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett

We have to kick off this list of songs that highlight Buffett’s legacy with “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” On top of this track featuring Buffett, Alan Jackson wore his inspiration on his sleeve. If you didn’t know better, you might think this track was Buffett’s. In actuality, it was a country great paying homage to his beach bum hero.

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 Buffett do?

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

“How Forever Feels” – Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney set out to imitate a “Jimmy Buffett” way of life in “How Forever Feels.” While Chesney is nearly equally as coastal as Buffett, no one has done the easy life quite like the latter. Chesney says as much in this track. With a margarita in his hand and the sun sinking low, Chesney finally understands what his predecessor was singing about all these years.

Big orange ball, sinking in the water
Toes in the sand, couldn’t get much hotter
Little umbrella shaped margaritas
Coconut oil, tanning señoritas
Oh, now I know how Jimmy Buffett feels

I want to know how forever feels
Hey, I want to know how forever feels
Girl, I want to know how forever feels

“Some Beach” – Blake Shelton

While Blake Shelton’s brand of country is a little more land-locked that Buffett’s sound, Shelton emulates that spirit on “Some Beach”. While driving around his Tennessee surroundings, Shelton dreams about being on some beach, somewhere. His daydreaming is spurred on by Buffett’s Margaritaville. It’s transportive enough to offer an escape to this wistful country star.

Drivin’ down the interstate
Runnin’ thirty minutes late
Singin’ Margaritaville and mindin’ my own
Some foreign car drivin’ dude with a road rage attitude
Pulled up beside me talking on his cell phone
He started yellin’ at me like I did somethin’ wrong
He flipped me the bird and then he was gone

Some beach
Somewhere
There’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair
Palm trees are growin’ and warm breezes blowin’
I picture myself right there
On some beach
Somewhere

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)