Mental Floss

Jimmy Buffett · Other Songs - Jimmy Buffett

Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett

Music by Buffett, Kunkel, Guth, P.Mayer & J. Mayer

I'd like to be a jellyfish

'Cause jellyfish don't pay rent

They don't walk and they don't talk

With some Euro-trash accent

They're just simple protoplasm

Clear as cellophane

They ride the winds of fortune

Life without a brain



(Chorus)

In one ear and out the other

Don't you get criss-crossed

I recommend you try a little

Mental floss



It's the small, small problems

That keep me so upset

And send me seeking shelter

Beneath my mosquito net



I stay there for hours

Protected from the night

All those insects and vipers

And other things that bite



(Chorus)



I'd like to be a jellyfish

'Cause jellyfish don't pay rent

They don't walk and they don't talk

With some Euro-trash accent

They're just simple protoplasm

Clear as cellophane

They ride the winds of fortune

Life without a brain



(Chorus)

In one ear and out the other

Don't you get criss-crossed

I recommend you try a little

Mental floss

About Mental Floss

Jimmy Buffett's "Mental Floss" stands as a quintessential example of his signature style, blending upbeat tropical rhythms with the laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere that defined his career. Released during the height of his popularity, the track exemplifies his ability to craft songs that evoke a sense of carefree vacation life, often featuring his trademark harmonica and smooth vocal delivery. While specific album placement varies in internal records, the song firmly belongs to the pantheon of his most recognizable hits, contributing to his legacy as the "King of Cool." It captures the essence of his musical world, where complex melodies dissolve into simple, joyful melodies designed to transport listeners to imaginary paradises. The recording serves as a testament to his skill in creating music that feels both timeless and distinctly tied to the mid-to-late 1970s era of surf and tropical pop.