Jimmy Buffett and Philosophy: The Porpoise Driven Life

Popular Culture and Philosophy #39

by Erin McKenna (Editor), Scott L. Pratt (Editor)

Jimmy Buffett and his music have touched the lives of millions of people around the world, spanning generations and genres. But is Buffett's music just a good time, or is there a deeper level to it? Jimmy Buffett and Philosophy shows the philosophical side of this self-proclaimed non-philosopher's work. The articles in this book provide an accessible approach to thinking about Buffett's music philosophically and to thinking about philosophy from the perspective of Jimmy Buffett's music. Along the way, questions are raised about figures in the philosophical tradition from ancient to contemporary — Epicurus, Diogenes, Heidegger, Josiah Royce, William James, John Dewey, and Judith Butler. In addition, questions about a wide range of traditional philosophical issues, including aesthetic theory, identity, knowledge, culture, and being, are explored.

Genres: Philosophy, Music

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Michael Barros · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong Parrothead, resident of Margaritaville, and lover of boat drinks, this book really spoke to me.

I always knew we needed more fruitcakes in this world, but I didn’t know why. I’ve asked myself, “where should I eat this cheeseburger?” Well now I can say with pride, “I’ll be eating that in paradise, thank you,” with no fear of reprise.

Now, I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know where I’m gonna go when the next entry in “and philosophy” comes (unless it’s another Jimmy Buffett one).

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, it helps if you are a Jimmy Buffett fan to want to read this book. However, it is much more of a serious philosophy book then I would have ever expected. I forgot how crazy philosophy can be. This is a collection of articles by various contemporary philosophers who quote the ancient philosophers and then relate this to Jimmy's songs. One contributor is a woman who wrote about Jimmy's works from a feminist standpoint which I found quite interesting. As there were many references to Jimmy's biography A Pirate Looks at Fifty, I have started reading that and am finding it immensely enjoyable.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very strange but serious analysis of Buffett's lyrics and interviews. The array of author/psychologists each take their own view of the collective works and meanings of Buffett's lines. While it's a much more serious analysis than I expected, it's not without it's light-hearted moments and some raw acceptance that some things mean just what they say.

Overall, a good read, but more serious than the title suggests. Any true Buffett fan will find many new insights and a lot of confirmations. Maybe a new path to introspection.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad premise but read like an undergrad assignment.

[Kelcie]

Weird book. Did not finish.