Tina MusialFriday's Party Song: Five O'Clock Somewhere
June 13th 2008 05:28
Alan Jackson released "Five O'Clock Somewhere
Monday: Oldies Country
Tuesday: Tear-jerkers
Wednesday: Wildcard
Thursday: Hit Song of the Week
Friday: Party Song
Today’s Party Song:
Five O’Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson may not exactly be known for a party-animal persona, and his career may be more accurately marked by wining guitars and moping fiddles, but the hit “Five O’clock Somewhere” appeals to more than just country lovers.
Some believe the song belongs to Jackson’s good friend Jimmy Buffet, who sings the final refrain (after Alan says “What would Jimmy Buffet do?”). Buffet is more recognized as a partier, a slightly ridiculous character who sings edgy songs. But the two put together the perfect song, the perfect concoction for the tired working man.
“That old clock is moving slow,” says Jackson. “The work day passes like molasses in wintertime, but it’s July.” The song is an anthem for those who, well, just hate working. It’s a song for those individuals stuck in their offices, or on the work site, who just can’t wait for the end of the day, or the end of the week.
“Pour me something tall and strong,” belts the refrain. “It’s only half-past twelve, but I don’t care… it’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Upon first listen, most people laugh and agree with Jackson. But for some, upon further notice, realize the truthfulness of the song in application to their own lives. Many people have felt the same way Jackson and Buffet do in the song.
“This lunch break is gonna take all afternoon, and half the night” jokes Jackson in the second verse. All of this stress comes from the fact that “I ain’t had a day off now in over a year.” Again, today’s workers often feel the same.
Jimmy Buffet appears in the song for the final refrain, and it sounds as if he brings about three dozen drunk buddies with him. By the last singing of the words “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” a good twenty voices are involved. (All sound like they’ve had a few.)
The laid-back, nonchalant tone of the song (more indicative of Buffet’s style than Jackson’s) is magnified at the very end as the two singers talk their way out of the single. Buffet and Jackson have a staged conversation, all fulfilling the same attitude.
Buffet: “What time zone am I on? What country am I in?”
Jackson: “It don’t matter, it’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Buffet: “It’s always on five in Margaritaville, come to think of it.”
Jackson: “I heard that.”
Buffet: “You’ve been there, haven’t you?”
Jackson: “Yes sir.”
Buffet: “I’ve seen your boat there.”
Jackson: “I’ve been to Margaritaville a few times.”
Buffet: “That’s good”
Jackson: “I was on my way back.”
Buffet: “Okay, I want to make sure you can keep it between the navigational beacons.”
Jackson: “Between the buoys, I got it.”
Buffet: “Alright, well its five o’clock, let’s go somewhere.”
Jackson: “I’m ready, crank it up.”
Buffet: “Let’s get out of here.”
Jackson: “I’m gone.”
[Arista Nashville; Written by: Jim Brown, Don Rollins; Produced: Keith Stegall; Album: Greatest Hits Volume II (2003); Single Release: June 2003]
www.alanjackson.com
www.margaritaville.com
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