Introduction
Time is a funny thing—it often feels like sand slipping through our fingers, no matter how tightly we hold on. Whether it’s an afternoon with loved ones, a cherished moment from childhood, or a heartfelt goodbye, we’ve all experienced those times when we’d give anything for just five more minutes. That universal longing is beautifully captured in Scotty McCreery’s Five More Minutes—a country ballad that tugs at the heartstrings and resonates with anyone who has wished for just a little more time.
About The Composition
- Title: Five More Minutes
- Composer: Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell
- Premiere Date: May 5, 2017
- Album/Opus/Collection: Seasons Change (2018)
- Genre: Country Ballad
Background
Five More Minutes was born from a deeply personal place. Scotty McCreery, known for his soulful voice and genuine storytelling, co-wrote the song as a tribute to his late grandfather. The inspiration came from a heartfelt wish during a moment of grief—Scotty wanted just five more minutes with someone who meant so much to him.
Initially, the song was written with no expectations other than to tell a story. Yet, when McCreery performed it live at the Grand Ole Opry in 2016, the audience’s raw and emotional reaction made it clear: Five More Minutes was something truly special. It struck a chord with listeners of all ages, becoming an anthem for loss, love, and the fleeting nature of time. Released independently before his record deal was finalized, the song’s success spoke volumes—it was more than just a hit, it was a universal experience set to music.
Musical Style
Five More Minutes stands out as a heartfelt country ballad. The song is characterized by its simple yet effective arrangement—acoustic guitars, soft percussion, and McCreery’s baritone vocals create a nostalgic and contemplative atmosphere. The melody flows gently, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
The song follows a classic verse-chorus structure, with McCreery’s delivery intensifying as the emotional weight of the story builds. The subtle instrumental swells in the chorus emphasize the bittersweet longing in the lyrics, while the simplicity of the production lets the raw emotion shine through. It’s this balance between tenderness and power that makes the song feel both personal and universally relatable.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of Five More Minutes are the heart of the song, vividly capturing moments of life that feel both fleeting and precious:
- “At eighty-six, my grandpa said / There’s angels in the room…”
Each verse recounts a memory—childhood adventures, first love, and the final moments with a loved one. The recurring refrain, “Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop / I wish I had a few more drops / Of the good stuff, the good times,” encapsulates the longing for just a little more time.
It’s not just a song about loss; it’s a reflection on cherishing the small yet irreplaceable moments that make up a life.
Performance History
The song’s debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 2016 was a defining moment in McCreery’s career. The live performance brought the audience to tears and quickly went viral online, signaling the song’s potential before it was officially released.
When it hit the airwaves in 2017, Five More Minutes became Scotty McCreery’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song’s success marked a turning point for McCreery, proving his staying power as both a singer and songwriter.
Cultural Impact
Five More Minutes has transcended the boundaries of country music, resonating with people across genres and walks of life. Its relatable themes of love, loss, and time struck a universal chord, making it a popular choice for weddings, funerals, and milestone moments.
The song also solidified McCreery’s reputation as an artist capable of storytelling with genuine emotional depth. Beyond the charts, it became a staple of his live shows, often eliciting heartfelt singalongs from fans.
Legacy
Years after its release, Five More Minutes remains one of Scotty McCreery’s most iconic songs. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect us to our memories, our loved ones, and ourselves. The song’s timeless message continues to inspire reflection, encouraging listeners to hold on to life’s fleeting moments and cherish the people who matter most.
Conclusion
Five More Minutes is more than just a country hit—it’s a soundtrack to life’s most tender and bittersweet moments. Whether you’ve lost someone, fallen in love, or simply wished time could slow down, this song speaks to you. Scotty McCreery’s heartfelt delivery and poignant lyrics make it a song worth revisiting again and again.
If you haven’t heard it yet, I recommend checking out McCreery’s live performance at the Grand Ole Opry—it’s a truly moving experience that captures the song’s essence perfectly. Take a moment, press play, and let yourself reflect on those moments when you, too, wished for 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