Key West (Philosopher Pirate)

Key West (Philosopher Pirate) is the 9th song on Bob Dylan's 39th studio album Rough and Rowdy Ways. It is one of the most controversial from the record, some saying it's one of the best on the album, some saying it's the worst (like music reviewer Anthony Fantano). The song is about how being happier and taking a vacation can make you live longer, keeping up the album's theme of mortality.

Background
Key West is the westernmost island in the Florida Keys, islands to the south of Florida that are owned by the state. The island is also very close to Cuba, giving it a mostly Spanish population. Key West is also the southernmost point of the contiguous United States. The song itself is about how Key West is great if you want to be happier and "immortal".

Music
The song has a happy, mellow sound with Donnie Perron's accordion and the riffs from Charlie Sexton's guitar. Dylan plays rhythm guitar – Tony Garnier on bass and Matt Chamberlain on drums. The song is in C Major.

Personnel

 * Bob Dylan – vocals, rhythm guitar
 * Charlie Sexton – lead guitar
 * Tony Garnier – bass
 * Donnie Perron – accordion
 * Matt Chamberlain – drums