Introduction
Have you ever wished for just a little more time—a moment to linger with someone you love, or to savor a memory that feels too fleeting? Scotty McCreery’s Five More Minutes captures this universal longing with heartfelt sincerity. Inspired by the poignant reflections of his late grandfather, this song has resonated deeply with listeners since its debut, becoming a touchstone for those moments in life we wish could last just a little longer.
About The Composition
- Title: Five More Minutes
- Composer: Scotty McCreery, Monty Criswell, and Frank Rogers
- Premiere Date: May 5, 2017
- Album/Collection: Seasons Change
- Genre: Country
Background
Scotty McCreery penned Five More Minutes after the passing of his beloved grandfather, channeling his emotions into a song that speaks to anyone who has ever wished for a bit more time with someone they’ve lost. Written alongside Monty Criswell and Frank Rogers, the track emerged as a touching ode to the bittersweet moments of life. Initially performed acoustically during McCreery’s Grand Ole Opry debut in 2016, the song garnered overwhelming audience support. Its official release in 2017 marked McCreery’s first chart-topping hit as both a songwriter and singer.
Notably, Five More Minutes faced a challenging path to production. After parting ways with his original label, McCreery independently pushed the song, demonstrating his unwavering belief in its emotional power. It was later included in his 2018 album, Seasons Change, cementing its place in modern country music.
Musical Style
Five More Minutes embodies the essence of contemporary country music, combining heartfelt lyrics with a gentle melody. The instrumentation is classic yet understated, driven by acoustic guitars and subtle percussion that allows McCreery’s deep, emotive voice to take center stage. The song’s structure crescendos towards a poignant climax, mirroring the emotional journey of reminiscing and yearning for more time. This simplicity underscores the raw, unfiltered sentiment at the heart of the piece.
Lyrics
The lyrics of Five More Minutes are a nostalgic reflection on life’s fleeting moments, from childhood joys to love’s tender moments and the inevitable loss of loved ones. Each verse builds on the theme of treasuring time, with the chorus acting as a universal plea:
“Time rolls by, the clock don’t stop / I wish I had a few more drops / Of the good stuff, the good times.”
The narrative storytelling and relatable imagery create an intimate connection with listeners, making the song both personal and universal.
Performance History
McCreery’s initial acoustic performance of Five More Minutes at the Grand Ole Opry received a standing ovation, foreshadowing its future success. The song’s official release saw it climb the charts, eventually becoming McCreery’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Its music video, featuring home videos from McCreery’s childhood, further amplified its emotional impact, earning millions of views on YouTube.
Live performances of the song continue to evoke powerful reactions, with fans often sharing their own stories of loss and longing. It has become a staple in McCreery’s concerts, celebrated for its ability to bring audiences together in shared emotion.
Cultural Impact
Five More Minutes transcends its country roots, resonating with listeners across genres and generations. Its universal message has made it a popular choice for memorial services, weddings, and other significant life events. The song’s success also marked a turning point in McCreery’s career, solidifying his status as a singer-songwriter capable of capturing the human experience in profound ways.
Legacy
Since its release, Five More Minutes has remained one of Scotty McCreery’s most beloved songs. Its timeless message continues to inspire covers, tributes, and stories from fans worldwide. The song’s inclusion in Seasons Change further cemented the album as a deeply personal and impactful body of work in modern country music.
Conclusion
Five More Minutes is more than just a song—it’s a reminder to cherish the moments we have, as fleeting as they may be. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood memory, reliving a moment of love, or mourning a loss, McCreery’s heartfelt performance invites you to pause and reflect. For those looking to experience the full depth of this beautiful piece, I recommend the Grand Ole Opry performance or the official music video. Each listen feels like a gift, offering its own five more minutes of reflection and connection
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