Buffett began playing guitar during his first year at Auburn University before continuing his college years at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee, during the late 1960s as a country artist and recorded his first album, the country-tinged folk rock record "Down to Earth" in 1970.
Moving to FLorida, Buffett's second release was 1973's A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Albums Living & Dying in 3/4 Time and A1A both followed in 1974, Havana Daydreamin' appeared in 1976, and Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes followed in 1977, which featured the breakthrough hit song "Margaritaville".
Buffett's album License to Chill, released on July 13, 2004, topped the U.S. pop albums chart for the first time in his career.
Buffett continued to tour regularly until shortly before his death, although later in his career, he shifted to a more relaxed schedule of around 20–30 dates, with infrequent back-to-back nights, preferring to play only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule provided the title of his 1999 live album.
In August 2006, he released the album Take the Weather with You.
On April 20, 2010, a double CD of performances recorded during the 2008 and 2009 tours, called Encores, was released.
In 2020, Buffett released Songs You Don't Know by Heart, a fan-curated collection of his lesser-known songs rerecorded on his collection of notable guitars.
Illness and death:
In May 2023, Buffett was hospitalized to "address some issues that needed immediate attention" and rescheduled tour dates. In late August, he entered hospice care and had a final meeting with family and friends, in which his last words to his sister were "have fun". Buffett died on September 1, 2023, age 76, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, due to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, with which he had been diagnosed four years earlier. He was surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs at the time of his death.
Cheeseburger In Paradise
Jimmy Buffett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made it nearly seventy days
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays
But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zucchini, fettuccine, Bulgar wheat
Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)
Not too particular, not too precise (paradise)
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
Heard about the old time sailor men
They eat the same thing again and again
Warm beer and bread, they said could raise the dead
Well, it reminds me of the menu at a holiday Inn
Times changed for sailors these days
When I'm in port, I get what I need
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
But that American creation on which I feed
Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Medium rare with Muenster'd be nice (paradise)
Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good God Almighty which way do I steer?
For my cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Making the best of every virtue and vice (paradise)
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice (paradise)
To get a cheeseburger in paradise
To be a cheeseburger in paradise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good God Almighty which way do I steer?
In Jimmy Buffet’s song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" the singer tells us about his attempt to change his carnivorous habits by becoming health conscious, for at least seventy days. However, his dreams at night are filled with images of food, specifically “a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat” which he refers to as a “sensuous treat.” The singer then takes us back in time to mention old-time sailors, who consumed the same meal daily, consisting of warm beer and bread which was believed to raise the dead. He later explains that times have changed, and in this modern era, he can fulfill his whims and desires for delicious cheeseburgers and cold beer while living a life he calls Cheeseburger in Paradise.
It is interesting to note that Cheeseburger in Paradise was inspired by a real-life experience of Jimmy Buffet. While touring the Caribbean in the early 1970s, he and his band experienced some engine problems which forced them to stop for several days in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. During this time, Buffet ate cheeseburgers every day and drank lots of cold beer. It was this experience that inspired him to write the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits
I tried to change my meat-heavy diet
Made it nearly seventy days
I lasted almost 70 days on this new diet
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds
I was losing weight gradually by snacking on sunflower seeds instead of meat
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays
I was also drinking lots of carrot juice and enjoying the sun
But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
However, I couldn't shake off the craving for the taste of meat
Some kind of sensuous treat
I just wanted something delicious and satisfying
Not zucchini, fettuccine or Bulgar wheat
I don't want any of those healthy but boring foods
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat
I really want a juicy meat burger with a fluffy bun
Cheeseburger in paradise
This is the ultimate pleasure that I'm seeking
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
This burger will be so satisfying, it will feel like heaven on earth
Not too particular, not too precise
I don't need anything fancy; just a good, juicy burger will do
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
I am a person who just wants to enjoy simple pleasures like burgers
Heard about the old time sailor men
I heard that old-time sailors used to eat the same food over and over again
They eat the same thing again and again
Their diets were limited and repetitive
Warm beer and bread they said could raise the dead
But even though their food was simple, it could still be life-giving and nourishing
Well it reminds me of the menu at a holiday Inn
Their diet sounds similar to the limited options at a hotel restaurant
But times change, sailors these days
But things are different now for sailors and for everyone else
When I'm in port I get what I need
I have access to all sorts of food when I'm on land
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
I can get more than just exotic fruit and cocktails
But that American creation on which I feed
I can have the classic and satisfying American cheeseburger
Medium rare with mustard be nice
I have preferences for how I like my burger cooked and what condiments I want
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
I also like having fresh veggies on my burger
Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes
I have specific choices for burger toppings and fries
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
These are additional items that would make the meal complete
Well good God almighty which way do I steer for my
I am just so excited and indecisive about which direction to go to find my desired meal
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice
I am willing to indulge in certain vices to experience real pleasure in life
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice to get a
It is worth every struggle to finally get that delicious burger
Cheeseburger in paradise
Once again, this burger is an ultimate pleasure and paradise-like experience
I need a cheeseburger in paradise
I am craving for this burger so much, that I really need it
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
Overall, I am a simple person who enjoys and appreciates these small moments of true happiness and satisfaction
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jimmy Buffett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
شبكة الحدود AlHudood
[Verse 1]
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits
Made it nearly seventy days
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays
But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zucchini, fettuccini, or bulgur wheat
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat
[Chorus 1]
Cheeseburger in paradise
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
Not too particular, not too precise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Verse 2]
Heard about the old time sailor men
They eat the same thing again and again
Warm beer and bread they say could raise the dead
Well, it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday Inn
But times have changed for sailors these days
When I'm in port I get what I need
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
But that American creation on which I feed
[Chorus 2]
Cheeseburger in paradise
Medium rare with Muenster'd be nice
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Bridge]
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good god Almighty which way do I steer?
[Chorus 3]
For my cheeseburger in paradise
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice
To get a cheeseburger in paradise;
To be a cheeseburger in paradise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
[Bridge]
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good god Almighty which way do I steer
SuperJelbo
Tried to amend my carnivorous habit
Made it nearly 70 days
Losing weight without speed, eating sunflower seeds
Drinking lots of carrot juice and soaking up rays
But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zucchini fettucini or bulgur wheat
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat
Cheeseburger in paradise
Heaven on Earth with an onion slice
Not too particular, not too precise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
Heard about the oldtime sailor men
They'd eat the same thing again and again
Warm beer and bread, they said could raise the dead
Well, it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday Inn
But times have changed for sailors these days
When I'm in port, I get what I need
Not just havanas or bananas or daiquiris
But that American creation on which I feed
Cheeseburger in paradise
Medium-rare with mustard'd be nice
Heaven on Earth with an onion slice
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good God almighty which way do I steer
For my
Cheeseburger in paradise
Making the best of every virtue and vice
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice
To get a cheeseburger in paradise
Get me a cheeseburger in paradise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good God almighty which way do I steer?
greenxxghostie
** Play "|" as strums or beats
Bm |||| A |
Bm |||| G |
Bm |||| A | D |
[Verse]
G A D
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits
G A D
Made it nearly seventy days
G A D
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds
E A
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays
G A D
But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
G A Bm
Some kind of sensuous treat
G D G D
Not zucchini, fettucini or bulgar wheat
G D A D
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat
[Chorus]
G A D
Cheeseburger in paradise
G A D
Heaven on Earth with an onion slice
G A D
Not too particular, not too precise
G D A D
I'm just a Cheeseburger in paradise
[Instrumental]
Bm |||| A | D |
[Verse]
G A D
Heard about the old time sailor men
G A D
They eat the same thing again and again
G A D
Warm beer and bread they said could raise the dead
E A
Well it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday Inn
G A D
But times have changed for sailors these days,
G A Bm
When I'm in port I get what I need
G D G D
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
G D A D
But that American creation on which I feed
[Chorus]
G A D
Cheeseburger in Paradise
G A D
Medium rare with mustard be nice
G A D
Heaven on Earth with an onion slice
G D A D
I'm just a Cheeseburger in Paradise
[Interlude]
e|-10------------|-----------|----------------------------|
B|----12-10-7-10-|---5---5-7-|---5---5-7-8-7-8-10-8-7-----|
G|---------------|-7---7-----|-7---7------------------7-7-|
D|---------------|-----------|----------------------------|
A|---------------|-----------|----------------------------|
E|---------------|-----------|----------------------------|
[Bridge]
(Just knock on the guitar or silence the strings for this part) 1 strum = /
In the song it sounds like a clap
/// / // /
** I like mine with lettuce and tomato
// / // /
** Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes
// / // /
** Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
// / // /
** Well good God almighty which way do I steer for my
[Chorus]
G A D
Cheeseburger in Paradise
G A D
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice
G A D
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice to get a
G D A D
Cheeseburger in Paradise
G D A D
I need a Cheeseburger in Paradise
G D A D
I'm just a Cheeseburger in Paradise
[Instrumental]
Bm |||| A |
Bm |||| G |
Bm |||| A | D ||
[Outro]
(If you plan on performing this in public, I might suggest ending it on this point after the last D)
/// / // /
** I like mine with lettuce and tomato
// / // /
** Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes
// / // /
** Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
// / // /
** Well good God almighty which way do I steer
Daniel The Maniel
For years I thought this song was an allegory for hidden feelings of inadequacy and just yesterday I learned it was about an actual cheeseburger
Jack The Ripper
This is what you get, for assuming everything has to have some deep, hidden meaning to everything. The world is far more straightforward than people like to pretend.
A K
Hahaha!!! This comment is hilarious! 🤣
A K
@Jack The Ripper It depends on the age of the person creating the content. Once you get to a certain age, if you’re not making artistic content with deep meaning and life philosophy, you’re...well kind of a loser.
Unless it’s your genre. Some artists are deliberately nonsensical.
KumaoftheForest
Sometimes a cheeseburger is just a cheeseburger
angrysilence
The song is about whatever you think it's about. How YOU (the listener) interpret it. Let people yap on about how "wrong" you are. Who cares what they think? If you don't feel it's wrong, then, apparently, it isn't for you. And, as far as I know, no one's ever been seriously hurt in any way by anyone simply interpreting song lyrics to suit themselves. I've done it myself. Of course, I could be wrong. But, I don't think so. 🤔
Dandy Chiggins
It has been on my bucket list to see Jimmy in concert sometime, unfortunately it is to late. RIP Jimmy Buffett.
Mmm I'm Mr. Frundles
Met him irl and cooked for him. Really a nice guy
Dandy Chiggins
@Mmm I'm Mr. Frundles Cool, he seemed like a very nice guy.
Bear 7453
RIP Jimmy! Your songs are truly one of a kind