African Friend

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tikitodd
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African Friend

Post by tikitodd »

Does anyone know the inspiration Jimmy had to write this song? Was it based off of one of his personal experiences? I have been listening to Buffett for 30 years. I love the fact he has so many songs that every so often you can discover or re-discover a song. African Friend is one of these songs. I have been playing it over and over the past two days.

Thanks for any information behind this song you can provide.
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SharkysMV1
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Re: African Friend

Post by SharkysMV1 »

According to some of the intros to the song on live takes, Jimmy says it’s half-true, based on a night out in Haiti. He doesn’t say which parts are true and which parts are fiction, though. This is also mentioned in the recent book by Ryan White.

It really is a gem of a song!
“Later down the road of life, I made the discovery that salt water was also good for the mental abrasions one inevitably acquires on land.” - JB, APLAFifty
tikitodd
I have found me a home
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Joined: January 31, 2006 2:59 pm
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Favorite Boat Drink: red stripe while sittin' at BO's
Location: southern shore of PA

Re: African Friend

Post by tikitodd »

Thanks for the info!
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baybound
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Re: African Friend

Post by baybound »

Interesting to me you mention this song...Ive been listening to JB since early 70's, and when SOS album came out I always skipped this song. Something about the intro I just didn't care for. But for some reason a few years ago I rediscovered it and it has since become one of my favorites. I think its a beautiful song, great imagery. Glad you brought it up.
WVParrothead
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Re: African Friend

Post by WVParrothead »

Worst part is Jimmy & Mac rehearsed it before this tour started(being that it's on Son Of A Son..) so I had high hopes of hearing it this summer, especially as a possible closer, but nothing yet... :-/
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lime rickie
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Re: African Friend

Post by lime rickie »

Totally agree, storytelling Jimmy at his finest. Would love to hear this.
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FinsUp6835
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Re: African Friend

Post by FinsUp6835 »

This song is incredible. Why I love Jimmy. I met Mac at the Camden show and mentioned to him that African Friend needs to be played this tour and he smiled and said I'll see what I can do
"Tragedies very often become comedies, and they better become comedies real fast or else you're in a lot of trouble..." - Jimmy, 1978.
lime rickie
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Re: African Friend

Post by lime rickie »

FinsUp6835 wrote: July 21, 2018 5:58 pm This song is incredible. Why I love Jimmy. I met Mac at the Camden show and mentioned to him that African Friend needs to be played this tour and he smiled and said I'll see what I can do
Saw that you met the band, congrats, good for you! 8) Did you upgrade the garage with photos?
You only have two options - havin' fun or freakin' out...

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FinsUp6835
I Love the Now!
Posts: 1687
Joined: March 22, 2012 6:13 pm
Favorite Buffett Song: LivingstonsGone2TX MeetMeinMemphis Winoandiknow CowboyIntheJungle
Number of Concerts: 50
Favorite Boat Drink: Ice Cold Loaded Landshark

Re: African Friend

Post by FinsUp6835 »

lime rickie wrote: July 21, 2018 6:02 pm
FinsUp6835 wrote: July 21, 2018 5:58 pm This song is incredible. Why I love Jimmy. I met Mac at the Camden show and mentioned to him that African Friend needs to be played this tour and he smiled and said I'll see what I can do
Saw that you met the band, congrats, good for you! 8) Did you upgrade the garage with photos?

Thanks! It was really cool. Not yet but will have to get them up there. I also wouldn't mind hearing Last Line
"Tragedies very often become comedies, and they better become comedies real fast or else you're in a lot of trouble..." - Jimmy, 1978.
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