Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett - "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"

When Alan Jackson teamed up with Jimmy Buffett for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the result was more than just a hit song—it became one of the most recognizable feel-good anthems in country music history. Released in June 2003 as the lead single from Jackson’s Greatest Hits Volume II album, the song spent an incredible eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and introduced Buffett’s laid-back “island lifestyle” to a whole new audience.

The song was written by Jim “Moose” Brown and Don Rollins, who came up with the clever premise after joking about escaping the workday for a cold drink. The phrase “It’s five o’clock somewhere” had been around for years, but Brown and Rollins turned it into a catchy celebration of taking a break from life’s daily grind. Their idea centered on the fact that somewhere in the world, it really is quitting time.

Alan Jackson immediately connected with the song’s lighthearted message. Known for balancing traditional country music with songs about everyday life, Jackson felt the tune perfectly captured the fantasy of clocking out early and forgetting about deadlines for a while. He also believed Jimmy Buffett was the perfect guest vocalist, thanks to Buffett’s long-established reputation as the king of beach music and carefree living.

Although Buffett wasn’t a country artist, his appearance on the record proved to be a masterstroke. His unmistakable voice arrives near the end of the song as the two singers humorously debate whether it’s too early to enjoy a drink. Buffett famously delivers the line, “It’s always five o’clock in Margaritaville,” tying the song to his iconic 1977 hit “Margaritaville.” The playful exchange became one of the recording’s most memorable moments and helped introduce Buffett to many country listeners.

The song was a massive commercial success. In addition to topping the country charts, it crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the biggest hits of Alan Jackson’s career. It also earned the Country Music Association’s Vocal Event of the Year award in 2003 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

The music video embraced the song’s relaxed theme, featuring Jackson and Buffett performing in a tropical setting filled with palm trees, beach chairs, and plenty of smiles. It reinforced the idea that everyone deserves a chance to slow down and enjoy life, even if only for a few minutes.

Over the years, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” has become much more than a country hit. It’s a cultural catchphrase, a staple of backyard barbecues, beach vacations, and happy hours, and one of the defining songs of both Alan Jackson’s and Jimmy Buffett’s careers. Its blend of traditional country storytelling and Buffett’s island escapism created a timeless anthem that reminds listeners not to take life too seriously—and that somewhere, somehow, it’s always time to unwind.