Cheeseburgers and Margaritaville: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett By: Hank Indictor
The death of Jimmy Buffett hit home for me not so much because he was one of my favorite musicians but because his songs always seemed to put me in a good mood. As someone who loves that particular delicacy, I almost always imagine having a "Cheeseburger in Paradise." But to many, his defining was his iconic "Margaritaville," there are more ways than one in which that song became his defining moment. When you think of Jimmy Buffett, you think of music that's in the theme of being in the "laid back" style that comes off as wanting to escape to Paradise. And because his music has an island theme, his fans are called "Parrot Heads." However, besides that, his music and its popularity enabled him to become a wealthy businessman.
Cheeseburger in Paradise is so relatable that Buffett sings about trying to lose weight. However, in his case, he comes to appreciate the "heaven on Earth with an onion slice" because he sees the "old-time sailor men; they eat the same thing again and again." According to legend, Buffett has often said that the song was inspired when he had a problem with his boat and could only live off of a peanut butter diet and canned food. However, when he discovered a restaurant that made a great Cheeseburger, he enjoyed it! The "Cheeseburger in Paradise" remains a popular menu item at Buffet's Margaritaville Chain restaurants.
Speaking of Margaritaville, how do I not talk about arguably his most iconic song? The song's beat makes it appear like an innocent, carefree melody. However, when you listen deeply to the lyrics, it's a much different story because it talks about a young man who initially plays his guitar on a nice day. Still, the latter three verses talk about his failed romance and how he gradually realizes it's his fault. "I'm wasted away again in Margaritaville, searching for my lost shaker of salt. Some people say that there's a woman to blame, but I know it's nobody's fault….well, it could be my fault…. it's my own damn fault." In other words, the melody may seem laid back, but the whole song is one of a sad tone about a man's careless mistake
I could go on about some of his other great hits that people know, such as "Come Monday" and "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere," to name a few. Still, Cheeseburger in Paradise and Margaritaville are the ones I think of because they've not only become commercial hits, but they contributed to him becoming just as successful of a businessman as a singer-songwriter. Jimmy Buffett was, is, and always will be a living legend, and the music industry will certainly not be the same without him.