Introduction
There are moments in life when we wish we had just five more minutes—a little extra time to cherish a loved one, to hold on to a precious memory, or to say the words left unspoken. When I first heard Five More Minutes by Scotty McCreery, it immediately took me back to the last conversation I had with my grandfather. I wished I had more time, just like McCreery expresses in this heartfelt song. This country ballad has touched countless hearts, reminding us all to treasure the time we have with those we love.
About the Composition
- Title: Five More Minutes
- Composer(s): Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell
- Release Date: May 5, 2017
- Album: Seasons Change
- Genre: Country
Background
“Five More Minutes” was written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, and Monty Criswell in 2015 after McCreery’s grandfather passed away. The song is deeply personal, capturing the universal feeling of longing for just a little more time with someone we’ve lost.
Initially, McCreery released the song independently, and it became the first track ever to reach the Top 50 on the Mediabase Country Chart without the backing of a major record label. Its overwhelming success led McCreery to sign with Triple Tigers Records in August 2017. By March 2018, Five More Minutes had reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking McCreery’s first chart-topping hit. The song resonated deeply with audiences, not just as a country hit but as a poignant anthem about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time.
Musical Style
The song is a classic country ballad that blends emotional storytelling with warm instrumentation. Its gentle acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment creates a nostalgic and reflective atmosphere. McCreery’s rich, deep vocals add to the song’s sincerity, making it feel like a personal confession rather than just another country tune.
The song’s structure follows a chronological narrative, with each verse reflecting different moments in McCreery’s life—playing football as a child, experiencing his first love, and ultimately, saying goodbye to his grandfather. The repetition of the phrase “five more minutes” reinforces the theme of longing, making the song feel like a heartfelt plea to turn back time.
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of cherished memories and the universal desire for more time. McCreery takes listeners through the milestones of life, from carefree childhood moments to first loves and family farewells. The final verse, where he recalls his grandfather’s last moments, is particularly emotional, bringing the song’s theme full circle.
Key Themes:
- Nostalgia & Reflection: The song reminisces about childhood, love, and family moments.
- The Value of Time: It reminds us that time is fleeting and should never be taken for granted.
- Loss & Longing: The emotional core of the song is the universal feeling of wishing for just a little more time with those we love.
Performance History
Following its release, Five More Minutes quickly became a fan favorite. McCreery performed it on major platforms, including the Grand Ole Opry, where his emotional performance left the audience in tears. The song’s deep, personal nature also earned it critical acclaim, with Billboard ranking it as the third-best country song of 2018.
Cultural Impact
The song struck a chord not only with country music fans but with anyone who has ever experienced loss. It became a memorial anthem, often played at funerals and remembrance events. Many fans shared their personal stories of how the song helped them cope with grief, proving its power beyond just the country music charts.
The success of Five More Minutes also solidified Scotty McCreery’s place as a storyteller in country music, showcasing his ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Legacy
Years after its release, Five More Minutes continues to resonate with listeners. Its message is timeless—cherish the moments, hold on to your loved ones, and never take time for granted. The song remains a staple in McCreery’s live performances and continues to be a fan favorite.
Conclusion
“Five More Minutes” is more than just a song—it’s a reminder of the moments that truly matter in life. Whether you’re remembering a lost loved one or simply reflecting on the past, this song has the power to bring tears to your eyes and warmth to your heart.
If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend watching this live performance:
Scotty McCreery Performs “Five More Minutes” | CMT Stages
It’s a song that stays with you long after the final note fades—a true testament to the power of music and memory
Video
Lyrics
Eight years old, couple cane poles sittin’ down by the creek
Lines in the water watchin’ those bobbers, seein’ that red sun sink
Mama’s on the porch yellin’, “Supper’s hot, y’all come and get it”
We yelled, “Five more minutes”
At sixteen it was 12:03 standin’ at her front door
Katie’s dad said midnight, but we needed just a little more
Yellow light flippin’ on and off, interruptin’ that goodnight kissin’
We wanted five more minutes
Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh, but they just keep on flyin’
Right on by, like it ain’t nothin’
I wish I had me a, a pause button
Moments like those, Lord knows I’d hit it
And give myself five more minutes
At eighteen, turned my helmet in and walked to the fifty-yard line
Just the coach and me after we lost eighteen to nine
And I cried, “Man, next time to get in here, I’ll have to buy a ticket
Can’t you give me five more minutes?”
Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh, but they just keep on flyin’
Right on by, like it ain’t nothin’
I wish I had me a, a pause button
Moments like those, Lord knows I’d hit it
And give myself five more minutes
At eighty-six my grandpa said, “There’s angels in the room”
All the family gathered ’round, knew the time was comin’ soon
With so much left to say I prayed, Lord, I ain’t finished
Just give us five more minutes
Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh, but they just keep on flyin’
Right on by, like it ain’t nothin’
I wish I had me a, a pause button
Moments like those, Lord knows I’d hit it
Yeah, sometimes this old life will leave you wishin’
That you had five more minutes
Five more minutes