Introduction
The first time I heard Five More Minutes by Scotty McCreery, it struck a chord deep within me. It reminded me of the moments I had with my grandfather—early morning fishing trips, long conversations about life, and the simple joy of just being together. This song beautifully captures the universal longing to hold on to precious moments just a little longer.
About The Composition
- Title: Five More Minutes
- Songwriters: Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell
- Release Date: May 5, 2017
- Album: Seasons Change
- Genre: Country
Background
Scotty McCreery wrote Five More Minutes in 2015 alongside Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, inspired by the passing of his grandfather. The song’s heartfelt lyrics stem from McCreery’s personal experiences, making it an emotional tribute to life’s fleeting moments. Initially, McCreery released the song independently, and despite lacking a record label’s support, it quickly gained traction. Its organic success helped McCreery secure a deal with Triple Tigers Records in August 2017.
Musical Style
Five More Minutes embodies traditional country storytelling, blending warm acoustic guitar, subtle piano, and McCreery’s deep, heartfelt vocals. The song’s structure follows a narrative format, with each verse recounting different phases of life—childhood, young love, and saying goodbye to a loved one. Its gradual build-up and emotionally charged delivery make it a song that resonates deeply with listeners.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics paint vivid pictures of life’s unforgettable moments—playing football as a child, a first date, and most poignantly, the final moments spent with a loved one. The recurring phrase, “Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop,” reminds us of how fleeting these moments are, emphasizing the desire to hold on for just “five more minutes.” The song’s simple yet profound message makes it universally relatable.
Performance History
Upon its release, Five More Minutes climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking McCreery’s first chart-topping single. It was also listed as one of Billboard’s Top 3 Country Songs of 2018 and received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. McCreery’s live performances of the song, often accompanied by heartfelt stories, further cemented its emotional impact.
Cultural Impact
The song resonated far beyond the country music community. Its theme of cherishing time with loved ones struck a universal chord, inspiring listeners to share their own stories about moments they wished they could relive. The song became a popular choice for memorial tributes, graduations, and personal reflections, proving its lasting significance.
Legacy
Five More Minutes remains one of McCreery’s most beloved songs, frequently performed in his concerts. More than just a hit, it has become a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of treasuring every moment.
Conclusion
Few songs capture the bittersweet beauty of time slipping away quite like Five More Minutes. Whether you’ve lost someone, miss an old friend, or simply wish you had more time in a cherished moment, this song speaks to the heart. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen—you may find yourself reminiscing about your own “five more minutes.”
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