“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
I still get chills running down my spine whenever I recall that unforgettable evening when country music giants Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley shared the spotlight. The audience absolutely exploded with excitement as they kicked off their rendition of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the iconic anthem that originally featured Jackson alongside Jimmy Buffett when it was released back in 2003.
The musical connection between these two country titans was nothing short of mesmerizing! Jackson’s deep, smooth vocal tones complemented Paisley’s exceptional guitar prowess perfectly, creating a truly magical atmosphere. You could clearly see the genuine respect they had for each other as they exchanged verses and shared knowing glances throughout their stellar performance.
When this track first hit the airwaves in ’03, it became an immediate phenomenon – and understandably so. Who among us hasn’t fantasized about leaving the drudgery of work behind for an ice-cold beverage on a beautiful beach somewhere? That’s what makes this song so brilliant – it captures that universal yearning for escape and leisure that speaks to all of us trudging through our everyday responsibilities.
What truly set this particular interpretation apart was how Paisley infused his distinctive style into the collaboration while remaining faithful to the song’s original essence. His detailed and impressive guitar work added fresh dimensions to the well-known melody, while Jackson’s commanding stage presence grounded the performance with authentic country heart and soul.
The crowd enthusiastically sang along to every single lyric, moving in rhythm with their drinks held high during that catchy, irresistible chorus. This was more than simply a musical number – it represented a true celebration of country music’s incredible power to unite people through relatable storytelling and captivating melodies.
This surprising collaboration reaffirmed why both musicians have secured their positions among country music royalty. Their mutual admiration was palpable in every single note they played, producing a version that somehow managed to feel simultaneously nostalgic and completely reinvigorated.
For those interested in experiencing this collaboration, the performance is available to watch online:
Video
Lyrics
The sun is hot and that old clock is movin’ slow,
An’ so am I.
Work day passes like molasses in wintertime,
But it’s July.
I’m gettin’ paid by the hour, an’ older by the minute.
My boss just pushed me over the limit.
I’d like to call him somethin’,
I think I’ll just call it a day.
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ 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.
Oh, this lunch break is gonna take all afternoon,
An’ half the night.
Tomorrow mornin’, I know there’ll be hell to pay,
Hey, but that’s all right.
I ain’t had a day off now in over a year.
Our Jamaican vacation’s gonna start right here.
if the ‘phones for me,
You can tell ’em I just sailed away.
An’ pour me somethin’ tall an’ 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,
An’ be back to work before two.
At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder,
What would Jimmy Buffet do?
Funny you should ask Alan,
I’d say:
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
He don’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s five o’clock somewhere.
What time zone am on? What country am I in?
It doesn’t matter, it’s five o’clock somewhere.
It’s always on five in Margaritaville, come to think of it.
Yeah, I heard that.
You been there haven’t you.
Yessir.
I seen your boat there.
I’ve been to Margaritaville a few times.
All right, well that’s good.
Stumbled all the way back.
OK. Just wanna make sure you can keep it between the navigational beacons.
Between the bouys, I gotcha.
All right. 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.