“The main lesson I learned from Earth, Wind and Fire, especially Maurice White, was never let a lyric get in the way of a groove. Ultimately it's the feel that is the most important, and someone will feel what you're saying if those words fit in there right.” »read more
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Buffett: "The myth of the cheeseburger in paradise goes back to a long trip on my first boat, the Euphoria. We had run into some very rough weather crossing the Mona Passage between Hispanola and Puerto Rico, and broke our new bowsprit. The ice in our box had melted, and we were doing the canned-food-and-peanut-butter diet. The vision of a piping hot cheeseburger kept popping into my mind. We limped up the Sir Francis Drake Channel and into Roadtown on the island of Tortola, where a brand new marina and bar sat on the end of the dock like a mirage. We secured the boat, kissed the ground, and headed for the restaurant. To our amazement, we were offered a menu that featured an American cheeseburger and pina coladas. Now, these were the days when supplies were scarce - when horsemeat was more plentiful than ground beef in the tiny stores of the Third World. Anyway, we gave particular instructions to the waiter on how we wanted them cooked, and what we wanted on them - to which very little attention was paid. It didn't matter. The overdone burgers on the burned, toast buns tasted like manna from Heaven, for, they were the realization of my fantasy burgers on the trip. That's the true story. I've heard other people and places claim that I stopped or cooked in their restaurants, but that is the way it happened." (thanks, Ken - LaSalle, Canada)
The trademark for the name "cheeseburger" was originally awarded to Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In, in Denver, Colorado in 1935. (From the book Food for Thought: Extraordinary Little Chronicles of the World by Ed Pearce)
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To me I always felt this song was written while Jimmy was high on weed .Jimmy smoked a lot of pot he will tell you so himself.When a person smokes weed they get what is known as the 'Munchies" wich is an increased appitite.The mere fact that weed increases ones appitite should be an indication of how harmless it is .As far back as 1969 scientists appointed by the Nixon administration concluded in a study that marijuana was"relativly harmless" Nixon however ignored these findings and declared war on pot considering it as dangerous as heroin and LSD.Which was all part of Nixons paranoia.He associated those that smoked pot with the anti war movement.This is rather ironic when you consider the fact that the original reason why pot was made illegal in the first place was also due to prejudice.Smoking pot was most commonly associated with Mexicans in the early 20th century when it was first made illegal.Making weed illegal was another way the goverment could harrass and arrest Mexicans.I was never a heavy pot smoker myself.I do not smoke it anymore because of the possibilitie of being drug tested at my job.I would smoke pot on only some occasions wich is perhaps why I enjoyed it so much I considered it a treat.I liked smoking it on vacation down Cape Cod before I went to the beach.Or perhaps before seeing a movie.Who is this hurting? If however I drank to excess on a particular weekend then I would have nothing to worry about.This law is ridiculous people.
- brian, boston, MA
I relize I went on an Anti pot law rant but I digress.This is an awsome song.I have been a fan of Buffett for about 10 years now.It is however only recently that I have fimiliarized myself with Jimmys' less than popular sons.I realize of course that this is on of his most popular so to those that enjoy this song I suggest listening to all of his music .I really enjoy Buffett.He never tries to anything but what he is
- brian, boston, MA
I am going to see Jimmy Buffett in East Troy, WI on August 29th (Tomorrow). It is the same day as my birthday. I have never seen Jimmy Buffett before. It should be a great concert!!
- Sean, Altoona, WI
Annabelles friend Richard is an IDIOT! Who in the H*ll would put Heinz 57 on a girl? Just when I thought I had heard all the stupidity there is to be heard in this world, somebody like Richard shows up and takes the cake.
- Thomas, Somerville, AL
I remember the first time I heard this song.on the radio.2003.I was listening to this song and I laughed.I said to myself,I can't believe someone made a song about cheeseburgers!This song is funny.
- michaela, brooklyn, NY
Hey Jim;me too.Make that a double cheeseburger!:D
- michaela, brooklyn, NY
Just reading the lyrics has giving me the craving for that cheeseburger. As soon as the local Pub opens I will be there.
- Jim, Denver, CO
Ralph, its not about appeal but freedom and dreams. Its a nice escape.
I like this song. I think its funny and upbeat. I fell better when i hear it.
- Maggie, waynesville, OH
I don't get the appeal of this guy at all.
- Ralph, Newton, MA
I like this song. I think it might mean something else. . .
- Alex, Loveland, CO
this is one of my favorite songs I sing it so often. Plus its unique what other songs are there about cheeseburgers! I haven't come across another one
- Zack, Buffalo, NY
Can't count how many times I've sung:
"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..."
- Geno, Peoria, IL
I agree Jen... see "Why Don't We Get Drunk" for an illustration of his hidden sexual meanings. Richard needs a girlfriend.
- Mark, Outside KC, KS
Oh come on, your friend Richard is just a pervert. Jimmy would've made it much, much more direct had that been the truth.
- Jen, Boulder, CO
I don't know if this is true, but my best friend Richard once told me that "Cheeseburger In Paradise" meant, a boy is eating out a girl! Filthy, Dirty, Dirty, nasty, dirty interpretation!
- Annabelle, Eugene, OR
Ken, it couldn't have been said better! That is a quote included with the new Buffet cd "License to Chill".
paul g., memphis
- paul, memphis, TN