MMTT4S - English Teacher Edition

One thing I like about Jimmy Buffett is his clever use of words. We refer to that as "diction" in the biz. English teacher biz, that is. He's a songwriter, no doubt about it. Being able to manipulate words and connotations and symbolism and imagery and theme is a tall task. Doing that and making it rhyme makes the task even taller. Adding in music increases the height of this already tall task to Empire State Building proportions. Being insanely successful at it for decades - that's the Mt. Everest of tall tasks.

Today's tune, titled "If It All Falls Down" is a fun and retrospective glimpse into the aura of Jimmy Buffett, the tropical troubadour. The music is a real treat, starting off with a simple, light acoustic guitar-led melody that changes pace and volume as the horns introduce and accompany a carnival-like chorus, complete with steel drums and a whistle. We need more whistle! It's a fun song. Real shocker there, huh?

The words, though. The WORDS! The words are what sold me on it.

Let's examine this witty wordsmith's lyrics, shall we?

image: here

We start with Jimmy basically giving us the old Popeye line, "I yam what I yam," and throughout the song he continues this theme - "And that's all what I yam," though he echoes this sentiment with a little more sophistication and clarity than the spinach-loving sailor with bulging forearms. Jimmy Buffett has always been hard to categorize. That drives the music business nuts sometimes. Is he folk, pop, rock, country, island? Not only has he refused to stay in his lane, he never really hit a defined lane when he pulled out of his oyster shell driveway years ago (I don't know if he actually had an oyster shell driveway - it's part of a metaphor - stay with me here). Buffett's a shapeless peg that just won't fit into the industry's square hole. Because of that, he traditionally hasn't gotten the radio airtime common to singers of his stature. Nevertheless, he's defied music industry logic and expectations and built a fortune. Not necessarily on purpose. He's just been himself. According to the lyrics of this song, he didn't seek to have some mystique or to be historic. He's simply an "open book," a "beach bum," a "man for all seasides." In a clever fit of humorous self-deprecation, he lets us know that he's really only qualified to be a "hard-drinking calypso poet," an occupation that, according to Jimmy, was experiencing a "shortage" of qualified candidates. Since there are "plenty of doctors, lawyers, people to make us things, and people to sell us these things," why not fulfill your calling in a very obscure career and contribute to society as best you can?

In the chorus, we get the origin of the title, "If It All Falls Down." The "it" here is, of course, the Jimmy Buffet circus. Basically, he lets us know that if Margaritaville crumbles around him, if the powers that be discover that he's simply an entertaining snake-charmer who's good with words and a guitar, if his success disappears, he'll be ok. No matter what happens, Jimmy can still make music, make people dance, and have fun.

It's in the chorus that we are treated to a line that is rarely, if ever, found in music - "I can juggle verbs, adverbs, and nouns." English teachers rejoice! Even grammar has a place in Margaritaville.

An oversimplification of the true nature of Jimmy Buffett? Sure. He may be more businessman than beach bum, truth be told. Still, there's enough honesty in "If It All Falls Down" to thoroughly enjoy the song, enjoy the message, and celebrate not having to win the rat race or be something that everyone expects us to be. If our own houses of cards fall down, we still have our authentic, genuine selves to rely on...and we'll be fine.

"If It All Falls Down" can be found on Jimmy Buffett's Floridays album, which was released in 1986.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

MMTT4S - A Father's Day Edition

Happy Fathers’ Day!

For this installment of the Margaritaville Musings and Tropical Tunes for Summer 2019, I wish to pay tribute to dads.

Surprise!

Write what you know, right?

I have an honorary doctorate in Dadology: I have a dad. I am a dad. I’ve picked up daddy longlegs. I’ve eaten crawdads.

I will have a Buffett tune for you, too. Patience…

In preparation or this piece, I went through my hall closet. You know the one. You have one, too. It has more in it than is possible. The Army Corps of Engineers still cannot explain how we’ve managed to fit so many items into such a small space. It’s the closet that you risk life and limb when opening the door. After digging past my old letter jacket, a dust mop, a pair of boots I thought I’d lost 20 years ago, a stack of blank mesh-back caps, a few dozen photo albums (some with photos in them), Aunt Martha, a box of Groundhog Day decorations, a sombrero, a harpsichord, and a gorilla costume, I found what I needed for part of today’s writing – my trusty old soapbox.

I will climb atop it now and opine.

Thanks to Wes Church for putting my thoughts of the day into a well-timed and eloquent sermon this morning. You can watch it here, by the way.

fatherhood should be a blessing. You should feel blessed to have a dad. Dads, you should feel blessed to be a dad. If not, you or he, have done or are doing something wrong. As the institution of the family becomes increasingly under attack in our society, the role of the father continues to get downplayed. Our society is only as strong as our families. If the family crumbles, so will our society. Dads are a key player in the family. The task is simple to express, but difficult to put into action and retain – be fully present. Dads, familial responsibilities follow closely behind our responsibility to our heavenly father (1^st) and wives (2^nd).  

I will now leap off of the soapbox. It’s not very tall, so my aging knees can handle it.

The Buffett song is coming - hang in there.

My dad is an amazing dad. His father instilled in him the value of doing a good job with integrity and fairness. He has passed that along to his kids and grandkids as well. At 6’5”, Pop can be an imposing figure, especially to a skinny little kid. He commanded a level of respect and discipline from his children. At the same time, he exuded compassion, wisdom, and caring. He has the most loving heart. He taught us to have empathy, to serve with humility, to work hard, to enjoy life, and to love unendingly. The example he set for us as fathers, husbands, siblings, friends, employees was spot on. It’s a shame everyone in the world couldn’t have him as a mentor and exemplar.

The song’s coming, I promise…

I remember Pop wrestling with all 4 of us rug rats. We could never push him over. I remember our many one-on-one matchups out on the old dirt court in our backyard. He always won. He was 6’5” after all. I remember my throbbing noggin after getting a well-deserved thump by his massive middle finger when I acted up in church. When I was a child, he wasn’t my best friend…he was my best dad. There’s a novel idea! Now, he’s a mentor, advisor, partner, sage, and friend. He grows a mustache with me for Movember (and looks less cheesy). We share lots of responsibilities and leadership opportunities. He shares his old pickup, yard tools, beach house, cherry cokes, and oatmeal cream pies with me. Most importantly, I felt a true, unrequited, sacrificial love from Pop as a child and I still feel that as an adult. He's passed on a number of wonderful traits to me - in addition to those mentioned above is my love of chocolate milk and sense of humor. We're not exactly alike, though. Pop claims that one of his missions in life is to see the world and talk to everyone in it. He's well on his way. Trust me. I, too, wish to see the world, but I couldn't care less about talking to everyone in it. 

I am blessed to have Pop as my father.

While I certainly fall short of Pop’s example of being a father, being a dad is one of the greatest joys of my life. I’m certainly not the perfect patriarch and sometimes I think I really stink at it, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I can’t imagine my life without my kids in it.

 Now the moment you’ve been waiting for…

Jimmy Buffett refers to his own kids a number of times in his songs. He sings about his daughters – “Savannah Fare You Well,” “DelaneyTalks to Statues,” “Little Miss Magic,” for instance – and his son Cameron in “Beach House on the Moon.” He mentions learning about bassinets in "Dreamsicle." He certainly has retained his boyish grin and a child-like imagination in many of his songs. Jimmy has claimed that, like Peter Pan, he never wants to grow up. He even sings about “Growing Older But Not Up.” He sings a song for the children in “Chanson Les Petits Enfant.” An acclaimed author, Jimmy has written 2 children’s books with the help of his daughter Savannah Jane – The Jolly Mon and Trouble Dolls and a young adult novel, Swine Not: A Novel Pig Tale. He penned a moving reflection of his grandfather in the song “The Captain and The Kid.”

In today’s song, however, he sings about his dad, who left this world in 2003. Jimmy was obviously deeply influenced by his grandfather and father. His work ethic and sense of wonder seem to have come from them, at least in part. From his 1996 studio album, Banana Wind, Buffett strays from the ordinary – or whatever the ordinary is for Jimmy Buffett – and gives us a heartfelt glimpse through song into his father’s fade into Alzheimer’s with “False Echoes (Havana 1921).” The background vocal help from friend James Taylor and his son Ben Taylor give this track an easy sound. These guys were made to sing together. I love the line that reminds us that "[t]ime ain't for saving, no, time's not for that." If it’s a rainy day and you’re in a pensive or melancholy mood, take this tune with you out into a rocking chair on your front porch and just absorb it all.

And just so you don’t mistakenly become depressed, remember it’s honoring his dad and you can do the same. If that’s not enough, go ahead and check out the songs about Jimmy’s kids mentioned above. Then, if you’re a dad, spend your time wisely and be a dad worthy of a tribute song from your kids.

Happy Fathers’ Day!

Photo from CD liner of Banana Wind album

MMTT4S - Installment 4 - South of the Border (and not SC Pedro's Version)!

South of the Border

Unless you're a South Carolina native or a gullible tourist traveling through that state down I-95 (http://www.thesouthoftheborder.com/), that phrase once produced a sparkle of wanderlust - sleepy villages along the border or coast, cactus-dotted horizons framed by fiery sunsets, aromas of corn tortillas and spicy salsas. You just wanted to ride in on your trusty steed, be handed a plate of tamales and a crisp margarita by a pretty señorita, while a wholesome caballero kicked back beside you and played a haunting Spanish number on his 12-string gut guitar. Sounds of a fiesta a few blocks away. Maybe you'd join...maybe not. First, you'd simply desire to rest your dusty boots and turn the saddle sores over to the tequila.

...Under a vast blanket of stars. A few of which shoot across the deep navy vastness.

...With an occasional cry of a coyote in the distance. The nice kind of coyotes - not the dreaded nuisances we have today.

It conjured a flight to a rustic, simple place and time. Unlike today. No wall or cartel or 3 hour wait at the border crossing to worry about. No, this was an idealistic escape from the more modern rigors, glimmer, and speed of glitzy Hollywood, the Rat Pack Vegas Strip, and Madison Avenue.

I remember crossing into Juarez from El Paso with my wife and her parents and grandparents. We lived in Texas then and her grandmother wanted to go look for a piece of furniture, have a tasty meal, replenish her real vanilla extract, and just get away for a day. We actually drove in, though. I guess trusty steeds were not a viable option for the whole group. I don't recall hearing coyotes either. But the food was fabulous - probably TexMex for gringos like us. The margaritas were refreshing and strong. The smells and music were amazing. And I guess the furniture was good because we seldom left empty-handed. We did this more than once, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although, according to an Al Jazeera report that claims the city is trying to make a comeback, which prompts a few laughable retorts in my mind given the irony, this is not on most people's travel agenda today (see this).

All of this Margaritaville musing simply leads us into today's Jimmy Buffett tune for the summer of '19 - "Mexico."

Yes, I know it was originally James Taylor's hit and he does it so very well in his recognizable, unique, smooth way. Admittedly, while some songs are iconic and define a performer or group and should probably never be remade, this is not one of those. Certain performers sort-of earn the right to add their spin to a classic. James and Jimmy are buds and collaborate on a few songs even. Although Buffett makes the song his with a fuller band sound and steel pans to "tropicalize" it a little, he obviously respects Taylor's tune.

It's a great remake. It's also fabulous live. "Mexico" can be found on Buffett's album Barometer Soup, his 19th studio album, and on a number of live albums as well. It's a popular choice at concerts for good reason.

So, if you suddenly find yourself south of the border, enjoy the kinder, gentler, more imaginative version. And maybe pick up a side table.

Image courtesy of itunes.apple.com

If you'd like to continue with the Mexican vibe, check out Jimmy's numerous other songs that have a Spanish influence. You can also hear similar tunes from George Strait ("The Seashores of Old Mexico"), Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Marty Robbins, Tim McGraw, Asleep at the Wheel, and many, many others.

MMTS4S Part 3 - Adventure Awaits!

Part 3 of my Margaritaville Musings and Tropical Tunes for the Summer simply adds to this pursuit of getting away. If people cling to this idea of escaping to Margaritaville - that personal destination that may be found on a map or in our minds - then traveling to exotic places just seems to fall in line.

One of my unwavering dreams in life is to travel the world, to see our planet and all its wonders. It will be a regret of mine if, as I lay on my death bed, I realize I've not done this. I'm not planning on laying on a death bed, though. If I don't go out peacefully slumped over in a lawn chair next to a favorite fishing hole with a rod and reel in my hand and a smile on my face (thanks to David Lewis for that), then it better be spectacular.

85-Year Old Dies After Gnarly Nose-ride Through Tube Ends in Tragic Wipeout on Reef

-or-

Missing Elderly Man Found Dead With Permanent Grin Frozen Atop Kilimanjaro

-or-

Last Transmission From 110-Year Old Mars Inhabitant: "Food and Fuel Gone. Oxygen Quickly Depleting. Playing My Guitar While Gazing Into Space. What a Way To Go!"

Jimmy Buffett has been afforded the privilege of traveling the world. Luckily for those of us who have only been able to do that through him vicariously (so far), he is a willing and insightful tour guide. Many of his songs take us along as he travels "his song lines, obvious and not," and we learn that the Master of Escapism actually desires a flight from his own jobs, chores, questions, and twirling plates at times.

This is another version that is fantastic live, and much like yesterday's "One Particular Harbour," it is a real crowd-pleaser. This is another top-fiver for me. Travel with Jimmy to the "Far Side of the World" and enjoy the title track from his 33rd record, but his first from his own Mailboat Records label. I love the horns and, of course, Robert Greenidge on the steel pans. Mark Twain would approve of this song, I believe, but would ask for a little satire. Otherwise, it's a perfect example of a storyteller's travels.

The link takes you to a video from Richard McLaughlin that includes the song. Check out live versions from his many live albums. You can also catch it in the lineup on RadioMargaritaville.

Image courtesy of wikipedia

MMTT4S Part 2 - Escape!

Escape.

While the word means "to get away," it carries multiple connotations.

Andy Dufresne escapes from Shawshank prison. 

Escape rooms are a popular form of hands-on interactive entertainment.

Ford's Escape crossover SUV claims it is "up for just about anything."

There are fire escapes, escape plans, escape routes. 

There's even a Great Escape.

To escape is to get away from something less than ideal - escape from Alcatraz, escape the clutches of angry townspeople, escape the giant jaws of a great white shark, escape the 9-to-5 rat race, escape dinner with the in-laws (not applicable to me, by the way). Escapes may be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or all the above.

Jimmy Buffett has made a living from and created a culture devoted to escapism. From the looks of his unparalleled success, people must want to escape. From whatever they may be escaping, even for a few fleeting moments, Margaritaville must offer that tropical haven that provides respite, redemption, and relief. If you don't believe me, check out the flocks of folks (or phlocks of pholks in Parrothead-ese) that gather at Buffett concerts, celebrating an annual summer rite of passage. Retired CEOs to toddlers, and the demographics run the gamut. Everyone wants to get away from something and many want to go here. 

The tune for today is a quintessential escape song...with a down island percussion backbone and Tahitian lyrics thrown in for good measure. Wherever your particular harbor is, "so far, but yet so near," this song will help transport you there. It is a staple at Buffett shows, and rightly so. It is also one of my faves, easily top 5. It never gets old to me. This is also one of the few tracks that I prefer to hear from Jimmy's live albums. 

"One Particular Harbour" was written by Jimmy Buffett and Bobby Holcomb and released in 1983 on the album by the same name. This particular track is from Jimmy's Live in Hawaii album. I hope you allow it to transport you to your particular harbour. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of wikipedia