Song Information
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Title: It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
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Artists: Alan Jackson (feat. Jimmy Buffett)
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Writers: Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins
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Release Date: June 2, 2003
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Album: Greatest Hits Volume II (Alan Jackson)
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Genre: Country, Tropical Country
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Label: Arista Nashville
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Chart Performance:
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Reached #1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs (8 weeks)
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Peaked at #17 on Billboard Hot 100
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Won CMA Vocal Event of the Year (2003)
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This collaboration between Alan Jackson and legendary “island escapist” Jimmy Buffett became an instant summer hit, blending traditional country themes with Buffett’s laid-back tropical vibe. It quickly turned into a working-class anthem for anyone dreaming of leaving stress behind.
Song Meaning
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is more than just a humorous excuse to drink in the middle of the day — it’s a relatable fantasy for overworked individuals longing for escape. The narrator is stuck at a 9-to-5 job and fantasizes about taking the rest of the day off, reasoning that “it’s five o’clock somewhere” — meaning it’s happy hour somewhere in the world, justifying an early break.
The lyrics celebrate the universal desire to pause from responsibility, cut loose, and mentally transport to a beach with a cold drink in hand. When Jimmy Buffett enters the song, it shifts from a frustrated workday monologue to a full-blown declaration of freedom. Their duet brings a playful, rebellious spirit that appeals to both country fans and those who love the “Margaritaville” lifestyle.
The song’s tone is humorous, yet it touches on a deeper cultural sentiment: the need to step away from the pressures of work and enjoy life’s simpler pleasures — even if just in thought.
The Idea Behind “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”
The expression “It’s five o’clock somewhere” isn’t just a catchy line—it’s a clever way of bending time and social rules. In many cultures, five o’clock marks the end of the workday and the beginning of personal time — often associated with relaxation, happy hour, or family.
The song taps into that collective mindset: the desire to escape time-bound responsibility. For many Americans, especially those in blue-collar or corporate jobs, the daily grind can feel endless. This song offers comic relief — and even emotional relief — by validating the wish to check out mentally, if not physically.
Jimmy Buffett’s involvement strengthens the theme. As the face of beach-bum escapism, Buffett embodies a fantasy many share: quitting your job and living carefree near the ocean. Alan Jackson, known for his down-to-earth, working-class ballads, adds authenticity to the sentiment.
Together, the song becomes a bridge between real-world exhaustion and an imaginary place where time doesn’t dictate joy — only desire does. In that way, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is more than a party song; it’s an anthem of psychological freedom.