Havin' a burger 'neath the setting sun
Johnny was sitting in the corner
Sippin' on a glass of Depaz Rhum
He was checking out all of the tombstones
'Cross the cemetery in Lorient
The stage was hung, the soundcheck done
He was ready for everyone
He strummed a guitar made of orchids
And the who's who all were there
Bill Haley, Carl Perkins, not to mention Buddy Holly
Plus, a couple of Jordanaires
Colonel Parker was lurking on a nearby beach
With a contract full of deceit
But Johnny took the stage and tore up every page
And the crowd flew out of their seats
Johnny Hallyday
Leap, and the net will appear
There's no other way
You ever coulda wound up here
All the blood and the sweat and the long-shot bets
And the things that the people say
You were more than just the French Elvis
You was Johnny Hallyday
There was a sound come across the ocean
From Memphis to the heart of France
It made Johnny dream and made the young girls scream
And everybody sing and dance
And the sound spread through all nations
But the source only played in one
So Johnny made a plan, and he started a band
And then made himself a hell of a run
Johnny Hallyday
Leap, and the net will appear
There's no other way
You ever coulda wound up here
All the blood and the sweat and the long shot bets
And the things that the people say
You were more than just the French Elvis
You was Johnny Hallyday
The Champs-Élysées was crowded
Almost a million strong
There to raise a glass and to watch him pass
Maybe hoping for just one more song
Johnny Hallyday
Leap, and the net will appear
There's no other way
We all coulda wound up here
All the blood and the sweat and the long shot bets
And the things that the people say
You were more than just the French Elvis
You was Johnny, yeah, you was Johnny
Johnny Hallyday
James William Buffett (December 25, 1946 – September 1, 2023) was an American singer-songwriter. He was known for his tropical rock sound and persona, which often portrayed a lifestyle described as "island escapism" and promoted enjoying life and following passions. Buffett recorded many hit songs, including those known as "The Big 8": "Margaritaville" (1977), which is ranked 234th on the Recording Industry Association of America's list of "Songs of the Century"; "Come Monday" (1974); "Fins" (1979); "Volcano" (1979); "A Pirate Looks at Forty" (1974); "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (1978); "Why Don't We Get Drunk" (1973); and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" (1977). His other popular songs include "Son of a Son of a Sailor" (1978), "One Particular Harbour" (1983), and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" with Alan Jackson (2003). Buffett formed the Coral Reefer Band in 1975.
Of the over 30 albums released by Buffett, eight are certified gold and nine are certified platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA. In total, Buffett sold over 20 million certified records worldwide, placing him amongst the world's best-selling music artists. In addition to two Grammy Award nominations, Buffett will be posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category in 2024.
Buffett also parlayed the "island escapism" lifestyle of his music into several business ventures, including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant chain, the now-defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant chain, and ventures in hotels, casinos, liquor, and retirement communities. Buffett was one of the world's richest musicians, with a net worth of $1 billion. He was also a bestselling author. His devoted fan base are known as "Parrotheads".
