Introduction:
“Five More Minutes” is a poignant country song by American artist Scotty McCreery, released in May 2017 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Seasons Change (2018). Co-written with Monty Criswell and Frank Rogers, who also produced the track, the song delves into the universal desire for more time with loved ones, inspired by the passing of McCreery’s grandfather in 2015.
The songwriting process was deeply personal for McCreery. During a session at Rogers’ house, he reminisced about his grandfather, sharing memories of golfing and swimming together. Criswell introduced the idea of wishing for “five more minutes” with a loved one, which became the song’s central theme. McCreery aimed to craft a relatable narrative, reflecting on life’s fleeting moments and the universal longing for extended time during significant experiences.
Upon its release, “Five More Minutes” resonated deeply with audiences. A live performance at the Grand Ole Opry in June 2016 garnered a standing ovation and amassed over 2 million views on YouTube, highlighting the song’s emotional impact. Critics praised its storytelling and relatability; Taste of Country noted that McCreery’s “relatable lyrics, coupled with a radio-perfect melody,” made it a standout track.
Commercially, the song marked a significant milestone in McCreery’s career. Initially released independently, it became the first song to chart on Mediabase’s Top 50 country chart without label support. This success led to McCreery signing with Triple Tigers in August 2017. After 40 weeks on the chart, “Five More Minutes” reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in March 2018, becoming McCreery’s first chart-topping single. By January 2019, it had sold 382,000 copies and was certified double platinum by the RIAA in January 2020.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jeff Ray, features home movies from McCreery’s childhood,
Billboard recognized “Five More Minutes” as one of the top three country songs of 2018, describing it as “a declaration of independence from an artist who matured from a blue-chip prospect to a power player.”
“Five More Minutes” stands as a testament to McCreery’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners through authentic storytelling and emotional depth.