Trop Rock Buffet
“Trop Rock Buffet”. This is the name of my most recent song (Bry Harris of the Parrot Island Band). As I wrote this song, I pictured myself driving to Key West and being drawn to a little roadside Café/Bar along the way. Even though I can’t tell you where this Café is, I believe I will see it one day and it will be the very one that inspired this song.
While I was the one being welcomed to this Trop Rock Café, I was also the “old man” who had been playing there since 1982 (the year I graduated from Old Dominion University and took a 25 year break from music). The sign on the roadside to this imaginary Café bids those passing by to slow down and enjoy the journey… something I have been trying to do more of in the last few years.
My answer to the “miracle question”, “What would you do if money were no object?” is this… I would find a little bar or Café by the beach somewhere and play Tropical tunes to a small group of folks who would sit, listen and enjoy just hanging out together.
I’m sure there are many musicians playing in little dives all over the country. For me it is not so much about chasing a dream as much as it is living one. Whether it is a large crowd or a few friends, I really enjoy playing a song that makes someone smile and relax.
So here it is… “Trop Rock Buffet” – a place where you can get a regular diet of Buffett, Beach and Tropical tunes. If you get to that little Café before I do, take a picture and send it to me… make sure to send directions because I’ll get there as soon as I can.
Trop Rock Buffet
Verse 1)
I was almost halfway down the road to paradise
I saw a sign that said please drop on in
We know you’ll love the people here and if you like
You can go out back and take a swim…
Chorus)
A gentle breeze, a sunny day… it’s a Trop Rock Buffet
Down by the sea, you and me… at the Trop Rock Café
Verse2)
The old man in the corner playing Buffett tunes
He’s been playing here since 1982
And if you listen carefully I swear to you
You may never go back home again
Chorus)
A gentle breeze, a sunny day… it’s a Trop Rock Buffet
Down by the sea, you and me… at the Trop Rock Café
Verse 3)
Well minutes turned to hours and there I was
Trying to decide what I should do
I asked the old man why he stayed for all these years
He shared with me what I now share with you
Bridge)
If you see that sign, and you do slow down
Could be the perfect time
Just look what I have found
Chorus)
A gentle breeze, a sunny day… it’s a Trop Rock Buffet
Down by the sea, you and me… at the Trop Rock Café
A gentle breeze, a sunny day… it’s a Trop Rock Buffet
Down by the sea, you and me… at the Trop Rock Café