“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In 2010, something magical happened on the CMT Crossroads stage when Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett joined forces to perform “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” This wasn’t just another collaboration—it was a perfect union of musical kindred spirits who shared a deep love for coastal vibes and storytelling.
Originally released on Buffett’s 1974 album “A-1-A,” this reflective ballad about an aging free spirit resonated deeply with fans for decades. When these two beach-loving acts came together, they created something truly special that honored the song’s wistful essence while adding fresh energy.
What made this performance extraordinary was the natural chemistry between the artists. Zac’s warm, soulful vocals complemented Buffett’s laid-back delivery perfectly, creating a duet that felt like two old friends swapping stories by the shore. The Zac Brown Band’s rich harmonies and skilled acoustic work blended seamlessly with Buffett’s signature island rhythms.
For Zac Brown, who has often cited Buffett as a major influence, this collaboration represented a torch-passing moment between generations of musicians who celebrate the coastal, carefree lifestyle. The mutual respect between them was palpable throughout the performance.
With Buffett’s passing in 2023, this collaboration now carries even deeper emotional significance—a beautiful reminder of his enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of music that makes us feel like we’re escaping to somewhere with sand between our toes, even if just for a few minutes.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call
Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall
You’ve seen it all, you’ve seen it all
[Verse 2]
Watched the men who rode you switch from sails to steam
And in your belly, you hold the treasures few have ever seen
Most of ’em dream, most of ’em dream
[Verse 3]
Yes I am a pirate, two hundred years too late
The cannons don’t thunder, there’s nothin’ to plunder
I’m an over-forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late
[Verse 4]
I’ve done a bit of smugglin’, I’ve run my share of grass
I made enough money to buy Miami, but I pissed it away so fast
Never meant to last, never meant to last
[Verse 5]
And I have been drunk now for over two weeks
I passed out and I rallied and I sprung a few leaks
But I got to stop wishin’, got to go fishin’
Down to rock bottom again
Just a few friends, just a few friends
[Verse 6]
I go for younger women, lived with several awhile
Though I ran ’em away, they’d come back one day
Still could manage to smile
Just takes a while, just takes a while
[Outro]
Mother, mother ocean, after all the years I’ve found
My occupational hazard being my occupation’s just not around
I feel like I’ve drowned, gonna head uptown
I feel like I’ve drowned, gonna head uptown