15 Minutes
Rodney Atkins Lyrics


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I got a call from my best friend this evening
He said he wasn't going out with us guys on Friday night
Yeah, he was gonna change for his new found flame to keep her satisfied
And I just laughed and said, "Hey man, well go ahead and try"

'Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
It was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
Now I've heard it said that too much fun will kill you
And I'll be the first to tell you that I don't wanna die
Too many twelve ounce curls, pretty girls and parties ain't advised
Well, take it from me don't believe all that hype

'Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
And it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
That's right

Well, you could get hit by a truck tomorrow
So you might as well raise a little hell tonight

'Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
And it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life




Man, it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
That's right

Overall Meaning

The song "15 Minutes" by Rodney Atkins focuses on the singer's realization that giving up vices, such as smoking, women, and drinking, is not worth it. The lyrics start with the singer receiving a call from his best friend, who decides to stay in with his new girlfriend instead of going out with the guys. The singer sarcastically tells his friend to go ahead and try to change for her. He then reminisces about the time he himself gave up his vices, which he sarcastically remarks was the worst fifteen minutes of his life. The second verse continues with the theme of the song - the idea that too much fun can be dangerous, but that giving it up is not worth the sacrifice. Instead, the singer encourages listeners to have fun while they can, because life is unpredictable.


Interpreting these lyrics, it seems that the song is about the balance between responsibility and enjoyment in life. The singer acknowledges that drinking and partying can be dangerous, but ultimately decides that giving up these vices is not worth the sacrifice. The chorus, in particular, emphasizes the idea that life is unpredictable and short, so we should enjoy ourselves while we can. Overall, the song is a lighthearted take on the idea of living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

I got a call from my best friend this evening
I received a call from my closest mate during the evening


He said he wasn't going out with us guys on Friday night
He stated that he won't be joining us on Friday evening


Yeah, he was gonna change for his new found flame to keep her satisfied
He planned to alter himself to please his new girlfriend


And I just laughed and said, "Hey man, well go ahead and try"
I chuckled and told him to give it a go


'Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
I abstained from smoking, dating, and alcohol last night


It was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
It was a terrible and uncomfortable 15 minutes for me


Now I've heard it said that too much fun will kill you
I've heard people warning about indulging in too much fun


And I'll be the first to tell you that I don't wanna die
I, myself wouldn't prefer to end up dead for having too much enjoyment


Too many twelve ounce curls, pretty girls and parties ain't advised
Drinking, flirting, and partying needs to be done in moderation


Well, take it from me don't believe all that hype
Don't fall into the trap of all those potential pleasures


"Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
Once again, I reminded him of my decision to abstain from those things


And it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
And I reiterate that it wasn't the best of times for me


Well, you could get hit by a truck tomorrow
Anything could happen tomorrow


So you might as well raise a little hell tonight
Therefore, you might as well enjoy yourself tonight


"Cause I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night
I remind him for the last time of my decision to abstain from those things


And it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
And last night was still not a pleasant experience for me


Man, it was the worst fifteen minutes of my life
It was, indeed, the most unpleasant quarter of an hour of my existence


That's right
I'm certain that's the case




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMIE LEE THURSTON, TONY CARL MULLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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