Jimmy Buffett’s “Volcano” is more than a catchy song—it’s a story about island life, unpredictability, and Buffett’s unique recording experience. Recorded in Montserrat in 1979, the song was inspired by the island’s Soufrière Hills volcano, a towering presence near the studio.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Buffett, Keith Sykes, and Harry Dailey were recording at AIR Studios Montserrat, joking about what would happen if the volcano erupted. The chorus, “I don’t know where I’m a-gonna go when the volcano blow,” came straight from those conversations.
The song captured Buffett’s carefree philosophy, turning the idea of a natural disaster into a playful, tropical anthem. Fans embraced the song’s humor, making it a concert favorite with an interactive, call-and-response vibe.
Ironically, in 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, forcing Montserrat’s residents to flee. The song, once a lighthearted tune, became eerily prophetic.
The Volcano Album: A New Recording Adventure
Buffett recorded Volcano at AIR Studios Montserrat, a world-class facility built by George Martin, the Beatles’ legendary producer. The studio attracted top artists, offering a relaxed, tropical recording atmosphere.
Buffett wanted an island vibe, away from the pressures of Nashville and Miami. Montserrat’s remote location, untouched beaches, and laid-back locals made it the perfect escape. The studio’s isolation helped the band stay focused while still enjoying island life.
Songwriting at a Natural Hot Spring
Buffett and his band often relaxed in a naturally heated pool along the volcano’s edge and hung out at each other’s houses they rented on Montserrat. They laughed about the volcano blowing. The lyrics took shape right there.
That hot spring no longer exists—it was destroyed when the volcano erupted in 1995. Today, only the song remains as a tribute to that experience.
“Chanson Pour Les Petits Enfants”: A French Lullaby
The album also featured “Chanson Pour Les Petits Enfants,” an unexpected French song inspired by a child Buffett met while sailing. Unlike his usual party songs, this gentle, poetic ballad reflected the Caribbean’s French-influenced culture.
“Fins” and the Land Shark Phenomenon
Another album highlight, “Fins,” captured Buffett’s humor. The song came from watching single women at beach bars get surrounded by aggressive guys. He called them “land sharks,” and the term stuck. Fans now raise their hands like shark fins whenever Buffett performs the song live.
Life on Montserrat: Music, Beaches, and Donkeys
Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band embraced Montserrat’s slow-paced lifestyle. They spent their days recording and their nights exploring, drinking, and playing music at local bars.
The laid-back setting influenced the album’s free-spirited, tropical sound.
AIR Studios Montserrat: A Legendary, Lost Music Haven
AIR Studios Montserrat became a recording paradise, attracting Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Dire Straits. Buffett was one of the first major artists to record there.
The Legacy of Volcano
Buffett’s Volcano album ranks among his most beloved records, though it wasn’t his biggest commercial success. It went platinum, peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200, and produced several fan favorites.
Songs like “Volcano,” “Fins,” and “Boat Drinks“ became Buffett concert staples, capturing his signature island escapism style. Though Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes remains his most iconic album, Volcano holds a special place in Parrothead culture.
Final Thoughts: An Album That Captured the Island Spirit
Buffett’s Volcano wasn’t just an album—it was an experience, a joke turned into a hit, and a reflection of island life. From songwriting in a now-lost hot spring and a rental home on Montserratt to recording in a studio that no longer exists, it’s an album that truly preserved a moment in time.
Buffett didn’t just sing about the Caribbean dream—he lived it. 🌋🎶
Ed. note: Jimmy Buffett wasn’t the only one fantasizing about living the Carribean dream. A guy named Tom Neale fantasized about escaping to a remote island too. He eventually made it his reality. For years, he lived alone on Suwarrow Atoll, surviving off the land and sea, embracing solitude as both a challenge and a way of life.
Photo Credits
“AIR Studio ruins Montserrat May 2013” by Captmatty is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
“Soufrière Hills Volcano” by D-Stanley is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
