Kenny Chesney And Mac McAnally Pay Emotional Tribute To Jimmy Buffett With “A Pirate Looks At Forty”

The 2023 CMA Awards took an emotional turn when Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett with a heartfelt rendition of “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” Chesney, a close friend of Buffett, poured his soul into the performance, delivering each lyric with deep emotion. McAnally, a longtime member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, added a rich layer of authenticity with his masterful guitar work and harmonies.

The performance was a heartfelt tribute, with both artists delivering every lyric with deep emotion. The stage glowed with warm, golden hues, capturing the essence of Buffett’s breezy, island-inspired sound. As Chesney and McAnally performed, a montage of Buffett’s most memorable moments played on the screen behind them.

Fans and fellow musicians responded with a wave of emotions—some wiping away tears, others swaying along, honoring a legend whose music embodied the spirit of endless summer.

The two singer chose to sing this song because “A Pirate Looks at Forty” is one of Buffett’s most iconic ones. Written in 1974, the track tells the story of a man who sees himself as a modern-day pirate, caught between nostalgia and the realities of time passing.

With its laid-back melody and vivid storytelling, the song captures Buffett’s signature sound, resonating deeply with fans who embrace the dream of an unrestrained, carefree life. For many, it’s an anthem—a tribute to those who refuse to be tied down by convention.