In Jimmy Buffett's song "Prince of Tides," the lyrics paint a picture of a changing and disappearing landscape, particularly focused on Dafuskie Island and the low country. The African drums, symbolic of a rich cultural heritage, are now silent, and the Wingos, presumably locals or inhabitants of the area, have become poets. The bulldozers represent progress and modernization, burying the past and causing the low country to sink. The dogwood, a symbol of beauty and resilience, feels the pain of these changes. The foursome mentioned in the song are perhaps a group of friends who continue to live their lives amidst the transformations, depicted wearing alligator shirts. The song then shifts to the realization of who killed the Prince of Tides. This phrase is metaphorical, representing the loss of the area's natural beauty and charm. The lyrics question how one can perceive the past when there is nothing left to see. There is mention of a night when a price was put on the sunset, causing a global reaction. People from all walks of life, both weak and brave, rose from the grave, signifying a collective awakening to the importance of preserving history. The winos or homeless individuals surround the condos, forming a human fence to protest the prioritization of money over sense. The song reflects on how paperback novels and the character Judy find solace in a quiet stream, while referencing Giovinno, Goodman, Phil, and Mac D as good friends. These could be real or fictional people who have supported the narrator throughout their journey. The final verses return to the idea of the Prince of Tides being killed and pose the question of how one can understand the past when there is nothing left to see. The repeated phrase "beach music plays on" suggests that despite the changes and losses, life and music continue. Overall, "Prince of Tides" depicts the destruction of a beloved place, the displacement of its people, and the struggle to hold onto memories and a sense of identity in the face of change.
