Introduction:
Why Five More Minutes Became Scotty McCreery’s Defining Song
Scotty McCreery went from “that guy from American Idol” to one of country music’s most respected storytellers thanks to a single heartfelt ballad. Five More Minutes wasn’t just another radio single — it became his signature anthem, a song that redefined his career and connected deeply with fans across generations.
The Story Behind the Song
The heart of Five More Minutes lies in its third verse:
At 86, my grandpa said, “There’s angels in the room…”
McCreery wrote the track in 2015 with Monty Criswell and Frank Rogers, just months after the death of his paternal grandfather. During that writing session at Rogers’ home, the North Carolina native shared memories of his grandfather and the words he wished he could have said. The song grew out of that vulnerability, shifting McCreery’s songwriting approach from chasing radio-friendly hits to writing from personal emotion.
The message was simple yet universal: whether it’s playing outside as a kid, savoring moments with loved ones, or facing the loss of family, we all wish for just five more minutes.
A Career-Changing Hit
McCreery’s road to success wasn’t smooth. After his label Mercury Nashville pushed him toward a pop-leaning sound with Southern Belle — a single that sold only 7,000 copies — he was dropped at age 22.
Five More Minutes marked his comeback. Released under Triple Tigers, the track became his first No. 1 hit and reintroduced him as an authentic country storyteller. The success validated his decision to write from the heart and proved that setbacks could be stepping stones.
Since then, McCreery has sold over four million albums, earned Pandora Billionaire status with more than a billion streams, and in 2024 was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by his longtime hero, Josh Turner.
Why It Still Resonates
What makes Five More Minutes timeless is its mix of personal truth and universal relatability. Fans hear their own lives in the lyrics — whether recalling childhood innocence, holding onto fleeting joys, or mourning loved ones gone too soon. For McCreery, who also lost both of his grandmothers in 2023, the song continues to take on deeper meaning.
Ultimately, Five More Minutes gave McCreery more than a hit single — it gave him a second chance and solidified his place in country music. Its legacy endures as a reminder to cherish every moment, because sometimes all we want is just a little more time.