Jimmy Buffett was an incredible singer who made people feel happy and relaxed with his island-style music.
What I really love about him is how he brought a bit of paradise to everyday life.
He started as a small-time musician in Key West and became someone who helped millions of people escape their daily stress through his music.
About the Song ‘Margaritaville’
“Margaritaville” is probably the most famous song Jimmy Buffett ever wrote.
It tells the story of a person enjoying life at a beach resort, drinking margaritas, and taking things easy.
He became famous for songs like “Margaritaville.”
He turned his beach-loving lifestyle into a billion-dollar business with restaurants, hotels, and retirement communities.
The song became so popular that it turned into a whole lifestyle brand.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Margaritaville |
| Release Date | February 14, 1977 |
| Album | Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes |
| Writer | Jimmy Buffett |
| Producer | Norbert Putnam |
| Peak Position | #8 on Billboard Hot 100, #1 on Easy Listening chart, #13 on Hot Country Songs |
| Notable Achievement | • Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2016)
• Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry (2023) • Re-entered Top 40 in September 2023 after Buffett’s death |
‘Margaritaville’ Lyrics By Jimmy Buffett
Verse 1
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
Live Performances Of The Song ‘Margaritaville’ By Jimmy Buffett
1. Margaritaville – Live from Minneapolis 1993
2. Jimmy Buffett Performs “Margaritaville” and “Stars Fell On Alabama” | Carson Tonight Show
Similar Songs Like ‘Margaritaville’ By Jimmy Buffett
Here are some similar Jimmy Buffett songs that capture that same beach-loving, carefree spirit:
“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” – A song about how traveling and changing your location can help change your outlook on life. It shares that same easy-going tropical vibe.
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” – Tells a fun story about craving a simple cheeseburger while sailing. Like Margaritaville, it’s about finding joy in simple pleasures.
“Come Monday” is more mellow, but it shares similar themes about missing someone while living the beach life. It was written about his girlfriend (later wife), Jane.
“One Particular Harbour” – Another escape-to-paradise song that captures the feeling of finding your perfect place in the world.
“Son of a Son of a Sailor” – Has that same laid-back island rhythm and storytelling style, talking about life on the water and family history.
“Boat Drinks” is like Margaritaville in that it is about escaping to warmer places and enjoying tropical drinks, though this one is written from the perspective of someone stuck in cold weather.
“Volcano” – Another tropical-themed song with a catchy chorus that became a concert fan favorite, sharing that island music style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Have The Artists Said About This Song?
Buffett revealed he wrote most of the song in just six minutes after a bad day at the beach.
Originally titled “Wasted Away Again in Margaritaville,” it was inspired by losing his flip-flops and running out of salt.
How Did This Song Perform On The Charts?
The song hit #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #1 on the Easy Listening charts.
And peaked at #13 on Hot Country Songs. It became Buffett’s highest-charting solo single.
Who Wrote “Margaritaville” By Jimmy Buffett?
Jimmy Buffett wrote the song himself.
Interestingly, it was initially offered to Elvis Presley to record, but he declined before his death in 1977.
