It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Alan Jackson
Practice nowReleased in 2003, 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere' is a duet by country artists Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett, which became a cultural anthem for those seeking a break from work. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and is celebrated for its catchy melody and relatable theme of escaping the daily grind. Its humorous take on work-life balance makes it an enjoyable and effective tool for English learners, as it employs conversational language and vivid imagery.
Lyrics
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere — Alan Jackson
English
The sun is hot and that old clock is movin' slow
An' so am I
Work day passes like molasses in wintertime
But it's July
I'm gettin' paid by the hour, an' older by the minute
My boss just pushed me over the limit
I'd like to call him somethin'
I think I'll just call it a day
Pour me somethin' tall an' strong
Make it a "Hurricane" before I go insane
It's only half-past twelve but I don't care
It's five o'clock somewhere
Oh, this lunch break is gonna take all afternoon
An' half the night
Tomorrow mornin', I know there'll be hell to pay
Hey, but that's alright
I ain't had a day off now in over a year
Our Jamaican vacation's gonna start right here
If the phone’s for me
You can tell 'em I just sailed away
And pour me somethin' tall an' strong
Make it a "Hurricane" before I go insane
It's only half-past twelve but I don't care
It's five o'clock somewhere
I could pay off my tab, pour myself in a cab
An' be back to work before two
At a moment like this, I can't help but wonder
What would Jimmy Buffett do?
Funny you should ask Alan, I'd say:
"Pour me somethin' tall an' strong
Make it a "Hurricane" before I go insane
It's only half-past twelve but I don't care"
Pour me somethin' tall an' strong
Make it a "Hurricane" before I go insane
It's only half-past twelve but I don't care
He don't care
And I don't care
It's five o'clock somewhere
What time zone am I on? What country am I in?
It doesn't matter, it's five o'clock somewhere
It's always on five in Margaritaville
, come to think of it
Yeah, I heard that
You been, there haven't you?
Yessir
I seen your boat there
I've been to Margaritaville a few times
Alright, that's good
Stumbled all the way back
Okay, just wanna make sure you can keep it between the navigational beacons
Ha ha ha ha, between the buoys, I tell you
Alright. Well, it's five o'clock. Let's go somewhere
I'm ready, crank it up
Let's get out of here
I'm gone
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Present Continuous (Presente Continuo)
The Present Continuous tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or ongoing. It is formed using the verb 'to be' followed by the '-ing' form of the verb. This structure is essential for English learners as it helps convey immediacy in conversations.
"The sun is hot and that old clock is movin' slow" — Describes an action happening right now.
"I'm gettin' paid by the hour, an' older by the minute" — Indicates ongoing actions in the present.
"Oh, this lunch break is gonna take all afternoon" — Predicts a future action based on the present situation.
Simple Present (Presente Simple)
The Simple Present tense is used for habitual actions or universal truths. It is formed using the base form of the verb for all subjects, except for the third person singular, where an 's' is added. Mastering this tense is crucial for expressing common actions and facts in English.
"It doesn't matter, it's five o'clock somewhere" — States a general truth about time zones.
"I could pay off my tab, pour myself in a cab" — Describes potential future actions in a habitual context.
"Tomorrow mornin', I know there'll be hell to pay" — Indicates a future expectation based on habitual understanding.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song was co-written by Alan Jackson and Jim Laird, blending country and island vibes, and became a staple in summer playlists.
In 2004, 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere' won the Country Music Association's award for Musical Event of the Year, highlighting its impact on the genre.
The phrase 'It's five o'clock somewhere' has transcended music, often used in popular culture to justify taking a break or having a drink no matter the time.
The song spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing its widespread appeal among country music fans.
Several artists have covered the song, with Jimmy Buffett himself performing it at his live shows, emphasizing its lasting popularity.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is great for learning English due to its clear pronunciation and conversational tone, making it accessible for challenging learners. The vocabulary includes useful expressions related to time and leisure, perfect for everyday contexts. Additionally, its catchy repetition of phrases reinforces language retention and helps learners remember key phrases while enjoying the music.
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