Background:
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is a country song recorded by American country music artist Alan Jackson, featuring vocals from Jimmy Buffett. It was released in June 2003 as the first single from Jackson’s album *Greatest Hits Volume II and Some Other Stuff*. Written by Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins, the song quickly became a summer anthem, celebrating the desire for relaxation and leisure, particularly the anticipation of the end of the workday and the beginning of happy hour. The song’s title itself captures this sentiment, expressing the playful notion that it’s always five o’clock somewhere in the world, justifying a celebratory drink regardless of the actual time.
The idea for the song originated with songwriter Don Rollins, who was inspired by a comment made by his boss during a golfing trip. Upon returning to work early, Rollins’ boss remarked that it was five o’clock somewhere, suggesting a justification for their early departure and subsequent indulgence in alcoholic beverages. Rollins recognized the universal appeal of this sentiment and collaborated with Jim “Moose” Brown to develop it into a full-fledged song. Brown, known for his work with country artists like Garth Brooks, brought his musical expertise to the collaboration, crafting a melody and arrangement that perfectly complemented the song’s lighthearted and carefree theme.
Alan Jackson, already a well-established country music star with a string of hit songs under his belt, was the perfect choice to record “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” His distinctive voice and traditional country sound resonated with a broad audience, ensuring the song’s widespread appeal. The addition of Jimmy Buffett, a renowned singer-songwriter synonymous with tropical relaxation and escapism, further amplified the song’s theme. Buffett’s laid-back vocal delivery and signature island vibe provided a perfect counterpoint to Jackson’s more traditional country style, creating a unique and memorable collaboration.
Musical Style:
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is a quintessential example of contemporary country music, blending traditional instrumentation with a modern production style. The song features prominent use of steel guitar, a hallmark of country music, giving it an authentic and familiar sound. Acoustic guitar provides a rhythmic foundation, while electric guitar adds a touch of energy and drive. The rhythm section, consisting of bass and drums, maintains a steady beat that is both relaxed and infectious, encouraging listeners to tap their feet and sing along. The song’s tempo is moderate, reflecting the laid-back atmosphere it evokes, neither rushed nor sluggish, but rather conducive to leisurely enjoyment.
The song’s melody is simple and memorable, easily singable and instantly recognizable. The chorus, with its catchy repetition of the phrase “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” is particularly effective in creating an earworm that stays with the listener long after the song has ended. The harmonies provided by background vocals further enhance the song’s melodic appeal, adding depth and richness to the overall sound. The interplay between Jackson’s and Buffett’s voices, contrasting yet complementary, creates a dynamic vocal performance that adds to the song’s unique character. Buffett’s distinctive island-infused vocal style provides a clear differentiation from Jackson’s more traditional country sound, making their duet both engaging and memorable.
Lyrics:
The lyrics of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” are straightforward and relatable, focusing on the universal desire for escape and relaxation. The song paints a picture of a hardworking individual yearning for the end of the workday and the opportunity to unwind with a drink. The opening lines, “Little sun’s a shinin’ through the trees / Birds are singin’ so sweetly,” immediately establish a sense of idyllic tranquility, contrasting with the drudgery of the work environment. The lyrics then introduce the central theme of the song: the longing for five o’clock, the symbolic hour of freedom and leisure.
The song’s chorus, “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” serves as both a statement and a mantra, justifying the desire for a drink regardless of the actual time. This playful disregard for conventional timekeeping reinforces the song’s theme of escapism and the pursuit of pleasure. Lines like “Pour me somethin’ tall and strong / Make it a hurricane before I go insane” further emphasize the desire for a potent escape from the pressures of daily life. The lyrics cleverly incorporate tropical imagery, evoking a sense of paradise and further emphasizing the theme of escape. References to locations like “a beach in Cozumel” and “the islands” reinforce the idea of a carefree existence far removed from the mundane realities of work and responsibility.
Cultural Impact:
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” had a significant cultural impact, becoming a widely recognized anthem for relaxation and leisure. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with a broad audience, transcending traditional country music demographics. It became a popular choice for radio airplay, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and even crossing over to the pop charts. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in television commercials and its use as a theme song for various events and promotions.
The song’s title phrase, “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” entered the popular lexicon, becoming a common expression used to justify indulging in alcoholic beverages regardless of the time of day. The phrase embodies a spirit of lighthearted rebellion against the constraints of daily routine and a celebration of the simple pleasures of life. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture a universal sentiment and its enduring appeal as a carefree anthem for those seeking a temporary escape from the pressures of modern life. It became associated with vacation culture, happy hour celebrations, and a general sense of good-natured revelry.
The song also solidified Alan Jackson’s status as a country music icon and introduced Jimmy Buffett to a new generation of fans. The collaboration between these two artists, each representing a distinct facet of American music, proved to be a winning formula, further broadening the song’s appeal. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” remains a staple of both Jackson’s and Buffett’s live performances, continuing to elicit enthusiastic responses from audiences years after its initial release. It cemented the association of both artists with a laid-back, celebratory lifestyle.
Conclusion:
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is more than just a catchy country song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with millions of people worldwide. Its simple yet powerful message of escapism and the pursuit of pleasure has struck a chord with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s success can be attributed to its memorable melody, relatable lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett. The song’s cultural impact is undeniable, with its title phrase becoming a ubiquitous expression used to justify moments of leisure and indulgence.
The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to transport listeners to a place of relaxation and carefree enjoyment. It serves as a reminder to take a break from the pressures of daily life and embrace the simple pleasures that make life worth living. Whether it’s actually five o’clock or not, the sentiment expressed in the song remains timeless: the desire to unwind, celebrate, and enjoy the company of friends. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” continues to be a beloved anthem for those seeking a moment of escape and a reminder that it’s always a good time to relax and enjoy life.