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.
Defying Gravity
Jimmy Buffett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never do dream I may fall
And even one day if I do
Well I'll jump up and smile back at you
I don't even know where we are
They tell me were circling a star
Well I'll take their word, I don't know
But I'm dizzy so it may be so
I'm riding a big round ball
I never do dream I may fall
And even the high must lay low
But when I do fall I will be glad to go
Yes when I do fall I will be glad to go
The lyrics of Jimmy Buffett's "Defying Gravity" are a contemplation on life and the universe. The opening line "I live on a big round ball" sets the stage for a sort of cosmic pondering about life and the world we inhabit. There is a feeling of confidence in the opening lines, "I never do dream I may fall", but the idea of falling is quickly addressed with a sense of acceptance that if it does happen, it won't be a big deal, "And even one day if I do, well I'll jump up and smile back at you." The singer then expresses a sort of wonderment about our place in the universe with, "I don't even know where we are, they tell me we're circling a star, well I'll take their word, I don't know, but I'm dizzy so it may be so."
The second verse seems to be a reflection on mortality and accepting the natural order of things. The singer states, "even the high must lay low" which could be interpreted as acknowledging that everyone must eventually face death, regardless of their status or achievements in life. However, there's a sense of peace with that, "But when I do fall I will be glad to go, yes when I do fall I will be glad to go." It seems as though the singer is at peace with the idea of death, and sees it as simply a part of the natural order of the universe. Overall, "Defying Gravity" is a thought-provoking and philosophical exploration of life and our place in the universe.
Line by Line Meaning
I live on a big round ball
I exist in this chaotic world, going about my daily routine without realizing the possibility of calamity.
I never do dream I may fall
I never allow negative thoughts or doubts to enter my mind because they prohibit my progress.
And even one day if I do
Even if I fail or encounter setbacks, I will continue striving towards my dreams.
Well I'll jump up and smile back at you
I will always remain positive and optimistic, ready to tackle any obstacles ahead.
I don't even know where we are
I am unsure of my place in the universe, but accept that my journey is unpredictable.
They tell me were circling a star
Others around me may possess more knowledge or understanding, and I am willing to listen and learn from them.
Well I'll take their word, I don't know
I will trust those who have more experience or knowledge, because I do not know everything.
But I'm dizzy so it may be so
Although I may not fully comprehend the situation, I will continue to move forward even when I feel uncertain.
I'm riding a big round ball
I am journeying through a vast and ever-changing world with its own set of challenges, opportunities, and mysteries.
And even the high must lay low
No matter how successful or accomplished one may become, they will eventually experience failures or setbacks.
But when I do fall I will be glad to go
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or missteps, I will use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
Yes when I do fall I will be glad to go
Even in difficult moments, I will maintain a positive attitude and use them as valuable learning experiences.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE WINCHESTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Judson Hair
Another great Buffett rendition of a Jesse Winchester classic ... RIP Jesse :-(
Mobetta Toon
my favorite Buffett song thanks for posting lost the album years ago
Joanne Mathisen
Great song says it all
Stacey Davis Morris
Always loved this song, when Wicked came out on Broadway I was like, wait, WHAT? LOL
Michael and Cynde
I asked my wife to play this song when i go.
Gawn Fritsch n
This is how i'm going out.
Sheralee Davis
Amen to that
Paul Hall
Emmylou Harris did it nicely too.....
Steve Johnston
My funeral song
Mike Kuhn
A song 4 us with ataxia
Gravity Storm also