Buffett Buffet Top Ten: California Promises (#2)

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Happy New Year’s Eve eve! That means I’m almost finished with this monthlong salute to the great Jimmy Buffett. I realize that he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and I greatly appreciate you who’ve stopped by to say “hi” (and “nah”) despite him not being your taste. Just two more days! Here’s my second-favorite Buffett song. #2: California Promises Number two on the Buffett list; number four on the Steve Goodman list. Yes, this is the final song in the countdown that was not written by Buffett. His buddy, Steve Goodman, wrote it. Here’s what Goodman said about this song: he saw a couple on the beach in California and imagined the notion that she was going to stiff him. His other inspiration was the Seal Beach Pier, which had been destroyed in a storm. It’s a beautiful song about a guy who’s been sucker punched by a girl (“Wait here, I’ll be right back,” is how Goodman described the conversation he envisioned). Buffett’s version is a minute longer than Goodman’s (which appeared on the last album released in his lifetime, Affordable Art). Buffett uses the long musical outro to reiterate the jilted lover’s waiting in vain. A great song, regardless of which version you pick. California Promises Written by Steve Goodman From One Particular Harbour, 1983 I will never love another: