Other meanings of Volcano
Music
“Volcano” is a song by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, released as the title track of his 1979 album Volcano. It became one of his signature songs, reaching No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on the Adult Contemporary chart.1 The song's lyrics humorously describe a volcanic eruption on a Caribbean island, blending Buffett's trademark tropical escapism with a sense of impending disaster.
The song was written by Jimmy Buffett and his longtime collaborator, keyboardist Michael Utley, along with producer Norbert Putnam. Buffett has said the inspiration came from a visit to the island of Montserrat, where the Soufrière Hills volcano loomed over the recording studio. The island's volcanic threat became a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life in the tropics.
The recording took place at AIR Studios in Montserrat, a state-of-the-art facility built by Beatles producer George Martin. The studio's location on a volcanic island added a layer of irony to the song's subject matter.2
Musically, “Volcano” is a mid-tempo calypso-influenced tune with a catchy chorus. The lyrics describe a narrator who is calmly accepting an impending eruption, singing lines like “I don't know where I'm a-gonna go when the volcano blows.” The song's humor lies in the contrast between the catastrophic event and the laid-back attitude of the narrator.3
The song features a distinctive steel drum melody and a spoken-word bridge in which Buffett lists various items he'll miss, such as his “frozen concoction” and “the ocean.” This bridge has become a fan favorite during live performances.4
“Volcano” was released as the lead single from the album in August 1979. It peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on the Adult Contemporary chart, becoming Buffett's highest-charting single at the time.1 The album itself reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200, a career best for Buffett.5
Critics praised the song's catchy melody and witty lyrics. Rolling Stone called it “a delightful slice of tropical rock,” while AllMusic noted that it “captures Buffett's essence perfectly.”6
“Volcano” has been a staple of Buffett's live shows since its release. It is often performed with audience participation, with fans shouting “Volcano!” during the chorus. A live version appears on the 1985 album You Had to Be There.4
The song has been covered by various artists, including the cast of the TV show Glee in 2010, and it remains a popular choice for beach-themed playlists.7
One lesser-known fact is that the song's title was inspired by a real volcano on Montserrat, but the island's volcano did not erupt until 1995, long after the song was written. The eruption destroyed the capital, Plymouth, and forced the closure of AIR Studios.2
Another obscure detail: the song's B-side was “Survive,” a track that was not included on the album. This B-side has never been officially released on CD.8
In 2004, Buffett released a re-recorded version of “Volcano” on his album License to Chill, featuring a guest vocal from the country group the Coral Reefer Band. This version was released as a single and reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.9
This article is about the song by Jimmy Buffett. For other uses, see Volcano (disambiguation).
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