Introduction
Released on June 2, 2003, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is a collaborative single by country music artist Alan Jackson and the legendary Jimmy Buffett. Featured on Jackson’s “Greatest Hits Volume II” album, the song quickly resonated with audiences, becoming a defining anthem for those yearning for a carefree escape from daily routines.
The track was penned by songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins. Rollins, inspired by a colleague’s frequent remark, “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” saw potential in the phrase as a song title. During a writing session aimed at crafting a tune with a “Margaritaville” feel, Rollins presented the idea to Brown. The duo agreed that the concept perfectly suited the laid-back, beachy vibe they sought to capture. Remarkably, they completed the song in about two hours, with minimal revisions—a testament to their creative synergy.
Initially, the song was pitched to artists like Colt Prather and Kenny Chesney, both of whom declined. When Alan Jackson expressed interest, it came as a surprise to the songwriters, given Jackson’s traditional country style. However, his vision to duet with Jimmy Buffett brought the song’s coastal theme to life. The collaboration seamlessly blended Jackson’s country roots with Buffett’s island escapism, creating a crossover hit that appealed to a broad audience.
Upon its release, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” achieved significant commercial success. It debuted at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and ascended to No. 1, maintaining that position for eight consecutive weeks. The song also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 17. Its popularity was further cemented when it won the 2003 Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year, marking a milestone in both artists’ careers.
The enduring appeal of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” lies in its relatable narrative and catchy melody. It encapsulates the universal desire to momentarily set aside responsibilities and indulge in leisure, embodying a timeless escapism that continues to resonate with listeners.
Video
Lyrics
The sun is hot and that old clock is movin’ slow
An’ so am I
Work day passes like molasses in wintertime
But it’s July
I’m gettin’ paid by the hour, an’ older by the minute
My boss just pushed me over the limit
I’d like to call him somethin’
I think I’ll just call it a day
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong
Make it a Hurricane before I go insane
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care
It’s five o’clock somewhere
Oh, this lunch break is gonna take all afternoon
An’ half the night
Tomorrow mornin’, I know there’ll be hell to pay
Hey, but that’s all right
I ain’t had a day off now in over a year
Our Jamaican vacation’s gonna start right here
Hit the phones for me
You can tell ’em I just sailed away
An’ pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong
Make it a Hurricane before I go insane
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care
It’s five o’clock somewhere
I could pay off my tab, pour myself in a cab
An’ be back to work before two
At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder
What would Jimmy Buffet do?
Funny you should ask, Alan… I’d say
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong
Make it a Hurricane before I go insane
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong
Make it a Hurricane before I go insane
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care
(He don’t care)
I don’t care
It’s five o’clock somewhere
What time zone am on? What country am I in?
It doesn’t matter, it’s five o’clock somewhere
It’s always on five in Margaritaville, come to think of it
Yeah, I heard that
You been there haven’t you
Yessir
I seen your boat there
I’ve been to Margaritaville a few times
All right, that’s good
Stumbled all the way back
OK, just wanna make sure you can keep it between the navigational beacons
Bring the booze, I tell you
All right, well, it’s five o’clock
Let’s go somewhere
I’m ready, crank it up
Let’s get out of here
I’m gone