“Trip Around the Sun” is a song by Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride released in August 2004 as the second single from Buffett’s album License to Chill. It was written by Stephen Bruton, Al Anderson, and Sharon Vaughn and was first recorded by Bruton in 1998.
The song reflects on birthdays, acknowledging the passage of time and reflecting on past resolutions. The singers express uncertainty about their choices but find solace in the fact that life goes on regardless. They decide to forgo making new resolutions, except for one: “That I’ll never make another one, Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun.”
In this article, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind the lyrics.
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“Trip Around the Sun” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride]
Hear ’em singing ‘Happy Birthday’
Better think about the wish I make
This year gone by ain’t no piece of cake
Every day’s a revolution
Put ’em together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun
In Verse 1, the singers reflect on the passage of time during a birthday celebration. They hear the traditional “Happy Birthday” song and are prompted to consider their wishes carefully.
The past year hasn’t been easy (“ain’t no piece of cake”), and each day seems to bring unexpected challenges (“Every day’s a revolution”). Despite their efforts to make sense of things, life often feels chaotic and uncertain (“Put ’em together and it comes undone”). As they add another candle to their birthday cake, they acknowledge another year passing by on their journey through life.
[Chorus: Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride]
I’m just hanging on while this old world keeps spinning
And it’s good to know it’s out of my control
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this living
It’s that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go
In the Chorus, the singers express a sense of resignation and acceptance towards the unpredictability of life.
They describe themselves as merely “hanging on” while the world continues to spin, emphasizing that they have little control over the course of events.
Despite the challenges they face, they have learned an important lesson: that relinquishing control and letting go of worries wouldn’t alter the outcome (“It’s that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go”).
[Verse 2: Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride]
Though you never see it coming
Always wind up wondering where it went
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It’s another revelation
Celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs from my trip around the sun
In Verse 2, the singers reflect on the passage of time and the uncertainty it brings.
They remark on the unpredictability of life, often finding themselves wondering where time has gone (“Though you never see it coming, Always wind up wondering where it went”). They acknowledge that only time will reveal whether their experiences were worthwhile (“Only time will tell if it was time well spent”).
Despite any regrets or missed opportunities, they choose to celebrate the lessons learned and the memories gathered along their journey (“Celebrating what I should have done, With these souvenirs from my trip around the sun”).
[Outro: Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride]
Yes, I’ll make a resolution that I’ll never make another one
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun
Just enjoy this ride until it’s done
In the Outro of “Trip Around the Sun,” the singers make a resolution to stop making resolutions, symbolizing a shift towards embracing life as it comes.
They declare their intention to simply enjoy the ride on their journey through life without burdening themselves with expectations or plans for the future.
Music Video
The “Trip Around the Sun” music video reflects Jimmy Buffett’s relaxed beach lifestyle. Filmed near Charleston, South Carolina, it shows Buffett and McBride having a happy beachside party with their friends.
To add his unique style, Buffett is even seen flying his own 1941 Boeing E75 Stearman plane through the skies. The video matches the song’s message of appreciating life’s moments, valuing friendships, and finding happiness in simple pleasures.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Trip Around the Sun”
“Trip Around the Sun” talks about looking back on life, accepting it, and being strong when faced with difficulties. The song compares life to a yearly birthday celebration, where we reflect on the ups and downs we’ve experienced.
“Trip Around the Sun” was written by Al Anderson, who used to lead the country/blues rock band NRBQ, along with singer-songwriters Stephen Bruton and Sharon Vaughn.
Anderson shared a touching story about the song during an interview with NPR. He mentioned that out of all the songs on the record, “Trip Around the Sun” stood out the most to him. He recounted how a girl once left a note saying she was going to drive herself off a bridge in Baltimore, but hearing the song on the radio stopped her from committing suicide. This experience made him feel good, especially since most of his songs tend to have a different effect.
In the lyrics, Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride contemplate another year passing by. They think about their resolutions, question their choices, and find comfort in the fact that life keeps moving forward no matter what.
The chorus reminds us that life is full of surprises, and we can’t control everything. Instead of worrying too much, the singers suggest we enjoy the ride and not burden ourselves with unnecessary concerns. They sing, “I’m just hanging on while this old world keeps spinning, And it’s good to know it’s out of my control, If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this living, It’s that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go.”
The title “Trip Around the Sun” is symbolic. It compares life to a journey orbiting the sun. Each year represents a trip around the sun, showing how time passes in cycles. Just like the Earth goes around the sun every year, people go through their own journeys with highs and lows, growth, and change.
In the end, the song encourages us to embrace the present moment, find happiness in our journey, and handle life’s uncertainties with strength and grace. It’s all about being grateful for what life brings, no matter the challenges we face.

Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.