Jimmy Buffett’s “Bubbles Up” Shares Message Of Joy & Hope

Listen To “Bubbles Up,” The First Song Released After Jimmy Buffett’s Death

The legendary singer Jimmy Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76.

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” read a statement on his official social media pages.

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The “Margaritaville” singer had a new album in the works at the time of his death, titled Equal Strain On All Parts. The album contains 14 tracks:

1. University of Bourbon Street (feat. Preservation Hall Jazz Band)
2. Bubbles Up
3. Audience of One
4. My Gummie Just Kicked In
5. Close Calls
6. Equal Strain On All Parts
7. Like My Dog
8. Ti Punch Café (feat. Angelique Kidjo)
9. Portugul or PEI (feat. Lennie Gallant, Will Kimbrough)
10. Nobody Works On Friday
11. Fish Porn
12. Johnny’s Rhum
13. Columbus
14. Mozambique (feat. Emmylou Harris)

Equal Strain On All Parts released on November 3, 2023, two months after Buffett’s death.

The Meaning Behind The Phrase “Bubbles Up”

The first song released from Equal Strain On All Parts after Buffett’s death was “Bubbles Up.” The tune references a favorite phrase of Buffett’s, which Paul McCartney explained in his tribute to him.

“…He turned a diving phrase…into a metaphor for life when you’re confused and don’t know where you are just follow the bubbles – they’ll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away,” McCartney said.

He continued, “So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend.”

Furthermore, McCartney also believes hearing Buffett sing “Bubbles Up” was “the best [he] heard him sing ever.”

Since “Bubbles Up” debuted, many of Buffett’s fans found comfort in the lyrics. Listeners felt like he left the song behind as a “goodbye” message full of joy and hope.

After its release, “Bubbles Up” reached the #1 spot on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart. Additionally, streams of all of his music increased by 7,000% in the immediate days after his death.

In October 2023, Buffett’s team shared a music video to accompany “Bubbles Up.” It generated 470,000 views on YouTube alone.

Watch the music video for “Bubbles Up” below. Jimmy Buffett’s legacy will live on through this song and the many others he created in his lifetime.

Jimmy Buffett was devoted to philanthropy. He founded two charitable organizations, Singing for Change and Save the Manatee Club. He also had a company called Last Mango Boatworks that sells apparel and accessories. Items sold from Last Mango benefit Singing for Change and Freedom Fighter Outdoors. Learn more about Jimmy’s philanthropic efforts or donate to one of the above-mentioned organizations here.