Alan Jackson’s popular country song It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere has become an international classic that resonates with fans worldwide. The infectious melody and playful lyrics encourage vacationers to let go and simply enjoy life!
Songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins from Nashville collaborated to pen “I Need Someone Who Knows Her Way”, released for public consumption in 2003 and spending eight weeks at number one on country charts.
Origins
Alan Jackson’s 2003 hit song, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” is one of the most beloved country music tunes ever created. Written by Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins, it reached number one for eight weeks during summer 2003 on country charts and was later named by Billboard as their number three country song of that decade. Jimmy Buffett frequently performs it and it remains part of his repertoire at Margaritaville hotels and resorts worldwide.
The song features a person who’s exhausted by work and wants to start their vacation early. They tell themselves it’s always five o’clock somewhere and so it’s alright for them to indulge in some light drinking at any point during their day. This phrase serves as an excuse for their indulgence!
Although widespread, its origins remain obscure. Most likely coined by a musician wanting to encourage their fans to drink alcohol at any time of the day, the phrase has since become an international trend used as an excuse for celebration or relief from daily stresses.
This song was co-written by Nashville songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins – two highly esteemed writers known for composing music for Darryl Worley and Ricky Skaggs among many others. At first pitched to Colt Prather and Kenny Chesney; but both passed. However, Alan Jackson eventually recorded it and turned it into an incredible hit song!
The song’s island melodies and lyrics made it an easy summer hit, while adding in lines inspired by Jimmy Buffett to further make it relatable and fun for listeners. Over time, many different artists have covered it; and today it remains an essential staple in country music fans’ playlists.
Meaning
Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett joined forces to record “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” making one of their biggest collaborations and scoring massive hits simultaneously. The song spent eight weeks at number one on both country charts and also crossed over into the Hot 100; earning them both their own CMA awards for Vocal Event of the Year; becoming an anthem of relaxation and partying all day long.
Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins wrote the song for Colt Prather after signing to Sony Records; Sony wanted a song with an old Jimmy Buffett feel. However, Prather declined and later country beach king Kenny Chesney also passed on it before Jackson decided to record it instead. The songwriters were amazed that Jackson took up recording it despite these early rejections!
Though its lyrics might seem dark and broody, the song’s message is an upbeat one: no matter your circumstances there’s always room to have fun and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures such as sipping a drink while gazing upon a setting sun.
“It’s Five O’Clock somewhere” has since become an immensely popular expression used to justify drinking at any hour of the day, even during daylight savings time! Though originally coined by comedian Red Skelton, its use became ubiquitous thanks to this song and has since become part of our culture.
Although alcohol may seem like a healthy choice, it should be remembered that alcohol can harm your liver, brain and heart if consumed excessively. Alcohol also contains high calorie counts; therefore limiting consumption should also help. There are various drinks which offer lower caloric counts to help you maintain weight loss; in order to stay in shape while drinking responsibly it would be wiser if you began early drinking so as to have enough time for weight loss before bedtime arrives.
Lyrics
Country music has long been beloved in middle America, but its influence has spread worldwide through a modern pop-country sound that attracts diverse audiences. Country songs are famed for their emotive lyrics which tell a compelling narrative and move listeners deeply; notable songwriters such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn have written timeless hits which remain timeless today.
One of the most beloved songs to feature country music 5 o’clock somewhere lyrics is Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” released in June 2003 and recording by both artists. It quickly became a massive success, spending eight non-consecutive weeks at number one on both country charts and pop. Additionally, it received nominations for Grammy Award and won CMA Vocal Event of the Year honors from both Jackson and Buffett.
Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins, the composers of this catchy tune, initially had other artists in mind for it before Alan Jackson agreed to record it. Rollins remembered hearing the phrase for the first time from one of his colleagues while working as a music teacher, believing it to be one of those phrases everyone knows but hadn’t yet heard in song form before. Regardless, these songwriters wrote quickly before pitching it around several artists before Jackson took up their offer.
Lyrically, the singers request that the bartender serve them something tall and strong–specifically a Hurricane cocktail made with rum. Just before Buffett begins singing his verse, his songwriters include the line: “What would Jimmy Buffett Do?”–both an ironic reference to his religious What Would Jesus Do advertising campaign and an ironic joke at his expense due to having numerous alcohol-themed tracks on his albums.
This song became an immediate classic, making waves both on radio and at pool parties across America. Perfect for road trips or pool parties alike, its vibrant beat will remind listeners that happy hour is always around the corner!
Music video
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’s music video features an exquisite beach scene with Jackson and Buffett enjoying the sun and sea breeze while playing poker, riding in a boat, dancing, playing poker, riding a motorcycle and even enjoying a meal together – making this classic among country music songs of all time. Directed by Montreal native Jean-Pierre Goldmann – who had also worked with Brooks & Dunn and Faith Hill – Jean-Pierre also directed shots at Jackson’s home nearby Palm Beach as part of his filming schedule at Square Grouper Bar located near Jupiter Florida as part of his production team he had also worked alongside Brooks & Dunn and Faith Hill production team members Brooks & Dunn.
Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins wrote the song quickly for Jackson’s recording in 2003 and had it chart topically across both country and pop charts; its success being one of Jackson’s biggest hits ever and Buffett’s first top 40 hit since the 1970s.
Buffett and Jackson had already established an excellent rapport, making their collaboration on this lively country tune all the easier. Both stars also appear magnificently together in its accompanying music video – which became an instantaneous hit!
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere is an essential addition to any summer playlist, featuring island-influenced lyrics that encourage listeners to take in the sun while sipping cocktails – guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any party or barbecue!
Fun fact about the song: It was initially intended for Kenny Chesney but declined it. Subsequently, its creators approached Jackson who agreed to record and make it into a huge hit!
Fans of both Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson will love this fun video that showcases them performing live on stage, giving fans an up-close view of two talented musicians performing an iconic song live and hearing their amazing voices! Additionally, behind-the-scenes footage provides additional insight into filming process.