| "Fins" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 German single picture sleeve[1] | ||||
| Single byJimmy Buffett | ||||
| from the albumVolcano | ||||
| B-side | "Dreamsicle" | |||
| Released | July 1979 | |||
| Recorded | May 1979 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:27 | |||
| Label | MCA | |||
| Songwriters |
| |||
| Producer | Norbert Putnam | |||
| Jimmy Buffett singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio sample | ||||
"Fins" is a song recorded by American popular music singer-songwriterJimmy Buffett. It was written by Buffett,Coral Reefer Band members Deborah McColl and Barry Chance, and authorTom Corcoran. It was released as a single (b/w "Dreamsicle") onMCA 41109 in July 1979.
It was first released on his 1979 albumVolcano. It reached number 35 on the USBillboard Hot 100 and number 42 on theEasy Listening chart.
The title refers to thefins of metaphorical sharks, i.e. "land sharks", men who attempt to pick up the woman who is the subject of the song. She is said to feel like aremora due to the proximity of the predators.
Cash Box said that "swinging southern pop-rock, served up Florida style, compliments the neat double entendre."[2]Record World said that Buffett’s "inspired vocals and a lively beat give this broad appeal.."[3]
"Fins" was one of Buffett's more popular songs with fans, and is part of "The Big 8" that he had played at almost all of his concerts. Recorded live versions of the song appear onFeeding Frenzy,Buffett Live: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and the videoLive by the Bay. Buffett usually began the song with a few bars of the "Main Title" theme from the movieJaws. Concertgoers typically responded to thechorus line of "fins to the left, fins to the right" by extending their arms above their heads in a fin shape and moving them from left to right. Fin and shark themes became a prominent part ofparrothead (Buffett fan) clothing and gear and feature in several of Buffett's commercial ventures such asLand Shark Lager beer.
In 2009, Buffett wrote new lyrics to the song for theMiami Dolphins football team. The song is played during home games atHard Rock Stadium, and is used in tandem with the Dolphins'fight song after every touchdown the team scores.[4]
According to the liner notes of the album.
| Chart (1979) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| CanadianRPM Top Singles | 64 |
| CanadianRPM Adult Contemporary Tracks | 35 |
| CanadianRPM Country Tracks | 62 |
| USBillboard Hot 100 | 35 |
| USBillboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks | 42 |
| USCash Box Top 100[5] | 25 |
