Country star pays tribute to Jimmy Buffett with ‘Pirates and Parrots’

Among the many superstars who took part in a recent Hollywood Bowl tribute to Jimmy Buffett was one who unveiled a new song inspired by the late coastal troubadour. And now the tune has been released for all to hear.

Zac Brown performed “Pirates and Parrots” at the April 11 Hollywood Bowl show after an introduction by actor Harrison Ford, who told a story about getting his ear pierced following a boozy lunch with Buffett. Brown said at the time that the song was coming out on the 19th, and a studio version is now available on major streaming services.

Brown’s collaborations with Buffett go at least as far back as the No. 1 country single “Knee Deep,” which they released in 2011. In a video message posted on social media, Brown said, “I’m so excited for you to hear this song because it’s a tribute to Jimmy Buffett, and his life and all the people that will remember him through his songs.”

In the song, Brown sings: “So adios, my friend/ Anchor where that ocean ends/ We’ll pick up where you left off/ Strummin’ on a sailor song/ We’ll hold down this salty rock/ Where it’s always 5 o’clock/ When the sun goes down, we raise our drinks/ All the pirates and the parrots sing.”

Longtime Buffett collaborator Mac McAnally joined the Zac Brown Band at the Hollywood Bowl performance and also is featured on the studio version of the song.