Introduction
“Five More Minutes” is a poignant country song by American singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery. Co-written with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, the track was released in May 2017 as the lead single from McCreery’s fourth studio album, Seasons Change (2018). The song holds significant personal meaning for McCreery, serving as a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, Bill.
The inspiration for “Five More Minutes” emerged shortly after McCreery’s grandfather’s passing in early 2015. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning to relive cherished moments with loved ones, encapsulating universal feelings of nostalgia and longing. McCreery has shared that writing the song helped him process his grief, stating, “I think I just wrote my favorite song I’ve ever written.”
Before its official release, McCreery introduced “Five More Minutes” to audiences through live performances, notably debuting it at the Grand Ole Opry during the CMA Music Festival in June 2016. The emotional rendition received a standing ovation, highlighting the song’s profound impact.
Upon its release, “Five More Minutes” achieved remarkable success. It ascended to the top of both the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Airplay charts, becoming McCreery’s first number-one hit. The song also earned Gold certification from the RIAA, signifying over 500,000 units in combined sales and streams.
The accompanying music video further enriches the song’s narrative by honoring McCreery’s grandfathers. It features a compilation of home videos, including childhood moments and family gatherings, underscoring the deep bonds and lasting memories that inspired the song.
“Five More Minutes” stands as a testament to the power of music to capture and convey the emotions tied to family, loss, and the passage of time. Its heartfelt lyrics and McCreery’s sincere delivery resonate with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own treasured memories with loved ones.