It was a while back that I posted a song called "I Don't Care" in which I spoke about tossing everything and heading to some tropical place. One of the commenters asked exactly where such a place might be located and I replied.... something to the effect of... "Probably somewhere south of Margaritaville" and then added that would be a great song title. So a few days later I decided to write that song in order to hopefully answer that question.

This one has been challenging but fun. And this one is all for the sheer enjoyment and self indulgence one might expect from something I do for myself. I hope you can also enjoy this trip.....

This is another toss it all and get away song so, Come along as we go to a place that exists for each of us......

South of Margaritaville

The Band:

Josh & Laura on vocals
Drums: synth
Synth: 1543
B3: 688
Steel: 369
Bass and all guitars: me

South of Margaritaville

[Verse 1]
I left the static noise downtown Past the red brake glow
Packed one shirt, one map And my old transistor radio
The phone kept barking at me Like it knew my name
I threw it in the back seat and kept driving just the same

[Pre-Chorus]
Where the road turns to two tire tracks And the sky turns to blue
I can hear my heart Saying, Move baby, move

[Chorus]
I need that blue water I need that tidal flow
South of Margaritaville That’s where I want to go
I need that blue water Nobody else needs to know
South of Margaritaville Somewhere South of Margaritaville

[Verse 2]
Got sand in my shoes And salt on my skin
An old beach chair And a tequila grin.
The palm trees waving Like they know the plan
I won’t bend for anyone Oh No, No No No.

[Pre-Chorus]
Let the city go Let the breezes blow
I plan to take it slow Just rolling with the flow

[Chorus]
I need that blue water I need that tidal flow
South of Margaritaville That’s where I want to go
I need that blue water Let the whole world float away
South of Margaritaville Somewhere south of Margaritaville

[solo]

[Bridge]
I 'm tired of fighting deadlines And living day by day. I want to find the time and place
And really live today. Tonight the moon hangs low In the sunset glow

[Chorus]
I need that blue water I need that tidal flow
South of Margaritaville That’s where I want to go
I need that blue water Let the whole world float away
South of Margaritaville Somewhere, south of Margaritaville

[Outro]
South of Margaritaville Where the breezes blow
South of Margaritaville Gonna take it slow
Somewhere, south of Margaritaville

Copyright 2026 Words and Music Herb Hartley

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.