Paul McCartney Pays Tribute to Jimmy Buffett: ‘He Had a Most Amazing Lust for Life’

Musician noted Buffett’s gift for songwriting and his generosity: “Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me” when Macca forget his guitar on holiday

Paul McCartney paid tribute to Jimmy Buffett, who died on Friday at the age of 76. In a heartfelt remembrance, McCartney wrote of his late friend’s generosity, kindness, humor, and his songwriting.

McCartney recalled one particular holiday, where he forgot to pack his guitar, and Buffett came to the rescue.

“He said he would get me one of his, but I said, ‘I’m left-handed.’ So, Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me for the duration of the holiday,” McCartney wrote. “He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was.” 

McCartney also spoke of his friend’s storytelling and his full embrace of life. “He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him,” he shared. “Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it’.  So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole. 

“Last, but not least, is his songwriting and vocal ability. If someone made an interesting remark he repeated it in his gorgeous Louisiana drawl and said, ‘That’s a good idea for a song’. Most times it didn’t take too long for that song to appear,” he added. “I was very happy to have played on one of his latest songs called ‘My Gummy Just Kicked In.’” The song debuted in July on Sag Harbor’s WLNG 92.1 FM. In an interview with the station, Buffett said, “You’re my neighbors… I’ve had a love of this station since I lived across the street from it.” He said he lived across the street from the station for about five years.

McCartney also talked about other songs slated for Buffett’s upcoming album, which is slated to arrive later this year, per the late singer’s website. “We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, ‘Bubbles Up.’ And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I’ve heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater 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.”

“So long, Jim,” he concluded in his tribute. “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.  Love, Paul.”