Boat Drinks

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some tropical vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "Boat Drinks" by Jimmy Buffett from his 1979 album Volcano. This song, a fan favorite, was born out of a chilly February night in Boston when Buffett, feeling homesick and fed up with the cold, dreamed of escaping to warmer shores. As he recounted in the 1992 box set Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads, he was at a bar owned by former Boston Bruins player Derek Sanderson, sipping rum and tonic to ward off the winter blues. Unable to find a cab, Buffett hopped into an idling taxi outside a hotel, drove himself back to his hotel, and left the fare on the seat, embodying the Navy saying, "Beg forgiveness, not permission." This rebellious, escapist spirit inspired the song’s lyrics about craving a tropical getaway, with lines like “I gotta go where it’s warm” capturing his longing for sun and sand.

Another tidbit about "Boat Drinks" comes from its Boston roots and its hockey-infused energy. A post on X by user Gerry Callahan in 2023 recalled the night at Sanderson’s bar, Daisy Buchanan’s, suggesting it inspired the song’s vibe of getting “wasted and watching hockey.” The song’s background vocals, provided by Deborah McColl, Harry Dailey, and Buffett himself, add to its lively, singalong feel, perfect for a rowdy night out. Fans have also noted pop culture connections, with some, like Alisa from Phoenix, pointing out the song’s nod in the obscure movie Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, where “Boat Drinks” is referenced as a state of mind, cementing its cultural staying power.

Jimmy Buffett’s journey to becoming the king of “island escapism” began far from the tropics, in southern Mississippi, where he was born on December 25, 1946. Raised in Alabama, Buffett moved to Nashville in the late 1960s to chase a country music career. His first album, Down to Earth, released in 1970 on Barnaby Records, featured socially conscious tracks like “The Christian?” but didn’t gain much traction. Disillusioned with Nashville’s music scene and facing a failing first marriage, Buffett took a pivotal trip to Key West in 1971 with country singer Jerry Jeff Walker. Smitten with the island’s laid-back vibe, he moved there in 1972, immersing himself in its literary and music scenes. Playing for drinks at the Chart Room Bar in the Pier House Motel, Buffett honed his tropical rock sound, blending rock, pop, folk, country, and Caribbean influences into what he later called “Gulf and Western.”

Buffett’s breakthrough came with his 1973 album A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean, featuring hits like “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” His 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, with the iconic “Margaritaville,” catapulted him to fame, defining his persona as the leader of the “Parrotheads.” Over the years, he built a business empire with Margaritaville restaurants, resorts, and merchandise, all while releasing over 50 albums and touring relentlessly. His music, including “Boat Drinks,” remains a staple for fans craving a mental escape to the beach.

Stay connected with Jimmy Buffett’s legacy through his official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where fans share memories and updates. For the latest news, check out BuffettNews, a fan-driven site covering everything from tribute concerts to Margaritaville license plates. Join fellow Parrotheads on Facebook groups like Parrot Heads in Paradise or Jimmy Buffett Fans to swap stories, plan meetups, and keep the island spirit alive. Zoo Freaks, keep those fins up and let “Boat Drinks” take you to where it’s warm!