Introduction
While the sunshine might be beating down on you and the clock screams midday, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett’s iconic duet, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” assures you it’s cocktail time somewhere in the world. This laid-back anthem to kicking back and enjoying a cold drink wasn’t written by either country crooner, but by songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins.
Released in 2003 as the lead single for Jackson’s greatest hits compilation, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” brought together two seemingly disparate musical styles. Jackson, known for his traditional country sound, blended perfectly with Buffett’s island-infused brand of country rock. The playful lyrics, with Jackson yearning for a “Hurricane” while stuck in a hot afternoon, offered the perfect invitation for Buffett’s signature relaxed delivery to chime in with the liberating “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
The song quickly became a massive hit, resonating with anyone who’s ever dreamt of escaping the daily grind with a refreshing beverage. It reached number one on the Billboard Country Songs chart and even crossed over to mainstream popularity. The accompanying music video, featuring Jackson and Buffett lounging on a beach with a seemingly endless supply of margaritas, solidified the song’s carefree spirit.
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” transcended its genre, becoming a universal anthem for unwinding and celebrating. Whether you crave a fruity cocktail on a beach or a cold beer after work, the song reminds us that a little escape is always possible, if not literally, then certainly in spirit. So crank up the tunes, grab your favorite drink, and let Jackson and Buffett whisk you away to a world where it’s always quitting time somewhere.