Introduction:
“Five More Minutes” is a poignant country song by American singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery, released on May 5, 2017. The track serves as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Seasons Change (2018), and stands as a testament to McCreery’s growth as an artist and storyteller.
The inspiration for “Five More Minutes” stems from a deeply personal experience in McCreery’s life—the passing of his paternal grandfather, Bill McCreery, in January 2015. This loss profoundly affected the singer, prompting him to channel his emotions into music. Shortly after his grandfather’s death, McCreery collaborated with renowned songwriters Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell to pen the heartfelt track. During their writing session, McCreery reminisced about cherished moments with his grandfather, such as golfing and swimming together. It was Criswell who introduced the central theme of the song—the yearning for just “five more minutes” with a loved one—a sentiment that resonated deeply with McCreery and shaped the narrative of the song.
“Five More Minutes” is structured as a storytelling piece, with each verse reflecting on significant life moments where the desire for additional time is palpable. The lyrics traverse various stages of life, from childhood innocence and young love to the profound grief of losing someone dear. This universal theme of wishing for more time struck a chord with listeners, making the song relatable across diverse audiences.
Before securing a record label to back the single, McCreery introduced “Five More Minutes” to audiences during live performances. Notably, his rendition at the Grand Ole Opry in June 2016 garnered a standing ovation, underscoring the song’s emotional impact. This performance, which resonated with many, quickly amassed over 2 million views on YouTube, highlighting its widespread appeal.
The song’s journey to commercial success was unconventional. At the time of its release, McCreery was not signed to a record label, making “Five More Minutes” the first song to chart on Mediabase’s Top 50 country chart without label support. This independent success led to McCreery signing with Triple Tigers Records in August 2017. The song’s momentum continued, and in early 2018, it achieved the number one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking McCreery’s first chart-topping single.
Critically, “Five More Minutes” received acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth. Reviewers praised McCreery’s ability to convey genuine emotion, with Taste of Country noting that the song adds “a bit of poignancy to country radio.” Billboard further recognized its significance by ranking it among 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.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Jeff Ray, complements the song’s nostalgic theme by incorporating home videos from McCreery’s childhood. This visual approach offers fans an intimate glimpse into the singer’s personal life, enhancing the song’s emotional resonance.
“Five More Minutes” stands as a significant milestone in Scotty McCreery’s career. It not only showcases his songwriting prowess but also his ability to connect deeply with listeners through shared human experiences. The song’s success paved the way for subsequent hits and solidified McCreery’s position in the country music landscape.