About the song
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is a lively and entertaining song performed by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett, with songwriting credits going to Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins. Released in June 2003 as the lead single from Jackson’s compilation album *Greatest Hits Volume II*, the song quickly captured the attention of country music fans. It enjoyed a remarkable run at the top of the charts, spending eight non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart during the summer of 2003. It also reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Jackson’s biggest pop hit and Buffett’s first top 40 hit in decades.
The song’s title reflects a popular saying used to justify having a drink at any time of day, since it’s always 5:00 p.m. somewhere in the world. The lyrics follow a narrator who, after working tirelessly for over a year, decides to take a break and enjoy a drink, despite it being only half-past twelve. He yearns to escape his stress with a Hurricane, a strong cocktail, symbolizing his desire for relaxation.
Critics have praised “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” for its catchy, carefree spirit. The song won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Vocal Event of the Year on November 5, 2003, marking Buffett’s first award in his long career. It also became the number three song of the decade on the Hot Country Songs chart.
The music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, premiered on CMT on June 6, 2003. It features Alan Jackson performing on his yacht, Hullbilly, and at a lively bar in Jupiter, Florida. The video also includes footage of Jimmy Buffett joining Jackson on stage at a concert, enhancing the song’s festive feel.
On the charts, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” debuted at number 31 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It achieved an impressive eight-week streak at number one, tying a record for the longest run at the top since Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems began tracking in 1990. The song re-entered the Hot Country Songs chart at number 22 in September 2023, following Buffett’s passing. As of April 2014, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” had sold over 1.3 million digital copies and was certified three-times platinum, cementing its place as a beloved classic in country music.
Video
Lyrics
… The sun is hot and that old clock,
is movin’ slow, and so am I.
Work day passes like molasses,
in winter time, but it’s July.
… Getting paid by the hour,
and older by the minute.
My boss just pushed me,
over the limit.
… I could call him something,
think I’ll just call it a day…
… Pour me something tall and 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.
… This lunch break is gonna take
all afternoon, half the night.
Tomorrow morning I know there’ll be hell to pay,
but, hey, that’s all right.
… I ain’t had a day off now, in over a year.
My Jamaican vacation’s gonna start right here.
If the phone’s for me you can tell them
I just sailed away…
… Pour me something tall and 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,
and be back to work before two.
At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder,
what would Jimmy Buffett do.
… Funny you should ask Alan, I’d say…
Pour me something tall and strong.
Make it a hurricane, before I go insane.
It’s only half past twelve, but I don’t care.
… Pour me something tall and 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.
… … but he don’t care, I don’t care.
Together
It’s five o’clock somewhere.
… What time zone am I on? What country am I in?
It doesn’t matter, it’s five o’clock somewhere!
It’s always on time for Margaritaville, come to think of it.
I heard that.
You’ve been there haven’t ya?
Yes sir!
I’ve seen your boat there.
I’ve been to Margaritaville a few times.
Alright, that’s good.
Stumbled on my way back.
OK, well I just want to make sure you keep it between the navigational beacons.
hahaha! Keep it between the bouys. I got it!
Alright, 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!