Was to acquire myself a little knowledge
And help me figure out
What life was really all about
It made Peets and J.D. happy
And set me wild and free
Then I danced out of Mississippi
To the University of Bourbon Street
I sang, "Hey (hey) pocky a-way"
On the streetcar headed uptown
I went to class (sure did) every day
And never wore a frown
I was taught by the Neville brothers
Benny Spellman, and a whole lotta others
That brass brand blew my mind
When I joined in the second line
I felt the power of the gris-gris
Got my soul saved by the backbeat
I was branded by Jean Lafitte
At the University of Bourbon Street
I sang on a paddlewheel boat
Floated down the Mississippi
Helped build a Mardi Gras float
And smoked a joint with a beautiful hippie
I heard a church choir sing
"Change my guitar strings"
Thought things just couldn't get better
'Til I walked to the Central Grocery
And had myself a muffaletta
I took my lunchbox to the streetcar
That Tennessee named, "Desire"
Then I followed my dancin' feet
To the University of Bourbon Street
Yeah, we got high-class, low-rent Voodoo information
Pat O'Brien's hurricane accreditation
Old-school sex education
And I learned how to eat
From the music and the people
To the cookin' and the joy
It really ain't a mystery
I just followed my dancin' feet
To the University of Bourbon Street
I got my lucky dog Ph.D.
At the University of Bourbon Street
Yeah, I just followed my dancin' feet
To the University of Bourbon Street
And a Po' Boy master's degree
At the University of Bourbon Street
It's all sweet, darling
University of Bourbon Street
Hand me that umbrella
Follow me to school
University of Bourbon Street
University of Bourbon Street
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".
