Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 136^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 136^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Margaritaville”, performed by 🎙 Jimmy Buffett.

“Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake / All of those tourists covered with oil…” Sadly, on September 1, 2023, the great 🎙 Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76 from a rare form of skin cancer.  Best known for his music, it should be noted that Buffett was also an author and businessman. Still, the best way to memorialize the legendary tropical-infused, country + soft rock singer/songwriter is to highlight his best-known and biggest hit, 🎵 “Margaritaville”. “Margaritaville” marked the sole top-10 pop hit by Buffett, peaking at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. “Margaritaville” appeared as the sixth track off his platinum certified album, 💿 Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977).

“Strummin’ my six-string on my front porch swing / Smell those shrimp, they’re beginning to boil.” Buffett painted quite the aesthetic and vibe with his lyrics on “Margaritaville.”  The first voice sets the tone of an idyllic place – a Xanadu if you will. Well, sort of… The lyrics are carefree and playful throughout, such as in the second verse where he sings, “But it’s a real beauty, a Mexican cutie / How it got here I haven’t got a clue.” By the way, he’s referencing his tattoo from his extended stay in… Margaritaville, of course! Fittingly, despite his misfortune cutting his heel in the third verse, it can be atoned for by “Booze in the blender and soon it will render / That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.” Woo! Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is slightly altered following each verse.  Perhaps the best is where his lost shaker of salt makes him a bit salty 😜!

“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.”

All told, 🎵 “Margaritaville” is such an incredibly fun, timeless song.  Buffett sings incredibly well and will always be remembered for this 1970s gem.  Gotta love the blend of country, soft rock, and tropical music – it’s a vibe! May Jimmy rest in peace and his musical legacy endure forever.

🎙 Jimmy Buffett • 💿 Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes • 🏷 MCA • 🗓 1977

Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 136 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MCA; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]