Meaning of "Homemade Music" by Jimmy Buffett

"Homemade Music" by Jimmy Buffet delves into the speaker's nostalgia for a time when music was genuine and personal. The opening lines, recounting a chance encounter with an old friend who has "died and gone to the suburbs", lament the loss of the wild, authentic spirit that used to permeate the music scene. The references to the Japanese buying CBS Records point towards the increasing influence of commercial interests in the industry. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "Homemade music ain't on the radio", serves as a rallying cry against the mainstream, urging for a return to music with substance. The mention of the hippie girlfriend and the transition to suburbia highlights the toning down of rebellion and creativity in modern society. The final lines, praising the Neville brothers for their funk and advocating for homemade music to be played on the radio, encapsulate the speaker's desire for music that is raw, heartfelt, and true. Overall, the song critiques the homogenization of music in favor of profit, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and individual expression.