Reba McEntire's Seven Minutes in Heaven, Full Lyrics, & Music Video
Reba McEntire, a name synonymous with the heart of country music, continues to resonate with fans through her soul-stirring narratives and a voice that embraces the essence of a storied genre.
In her latest chapter, McEntire presents "Seven Minutes in Heaven," a track from her acoustic album "Not That Fancy," which stands as a tender homage to her late mother.
The song is part of a collection that accompanies her new lifestyle book, offering fans a blend of Reba's wisdom and wit. As she steps into the spotlight as a coach on "The Voice," filling the iconic boots of Blake Shelton, McEntire remains a steadfast symbol of enduring artistry and emotional storytelling that country music aficionados cherish.
This track, reflective of both personal loss and celestial hope, is not just a song—it's a poignant journey, inviting listeners into the intimate spaces of Reba's memories and dreams.
Reba McEntire Seven Minutes In Heaven
In 2020, Reba McEntire rejoined MCA Nashville and in October 2021 unveiled "Revived Remixed Revisited," a bold triple-disc collection showcasing new recordings with her live band, a series of remixes, and raw, acoustic versions produced by Dave Cobb.
The album made an impressive entrance, landing at number 12 on the Billboard Country Charts. Continuing her musical evolution, 2022 saw the release of "My Chains Are Gone," a gospel album enriched with contributions from Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood.
The next year, McEntire expanded her repertoire with the release of her lifestyle book "Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots," complemented by a 14-track acoustic album of the same name.
This album included the emotive "Seven Minutes In Heaven" Simultaneously, McEntire took on a new role as a coach on "The Voice's" 24th season, stepping in for the departed Blake Shelton.
Released on October 6, 2023, "Seven Minutes In Heaven" stands out as a poignant ballad in Reba's acoustic album, "Not That Fancy".
Although it hasn't clinched any awards yet, the song resonates deeply with anyone who's ever lost a loved one.
Lyrics To Seven Minutes In Heaven
[Verse 1]
I wouldn't ask Cash why he wore all-black
Or have Elvis sing me a song
I wouldn't ask why Kennedy died
'Cause I know that I wouldn't have long
I wouldn't small talk with Peter about those pearly gates
I'd ask him to let me on in
And I'd say somebody's waitin' on the other side
That I'd really like to catch up with
[Chorus]
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I know just what I'd do
Take a walk down those golden streets
And find a quiet corner booth
I wouldn't spend all my seconds askin' God questions
'Cause He knows I'd be back soon
If I had seven minutes in Heavеn
I'd spend them all with you
[Verse 2]
How's the fishin' up thеre
Have you been gettin' our prayers
We've been sendin' them every night
The only issue here is oh Lord we miss you
But I swear we're doin' alright
Does the weather get colder?
Do you ever grow older?
Does it feel like the blink of an eye?
I'm so glad to be here
And I sure hope they serve beer
'Cause, for me, it's been a long time
[Chorus]
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I know just what I'd do
Take a walk down those golden streets
And find a quiet corner booth
I wouldn't spend all my seconds askin' God questions
'Cause He knows I'll be back soon
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I'd spend them all with you
[Bridge]
When it's last call, I'll hug you
And I'll tell you, "I love you"
But I won't say goodbye
Right now, I got to leave
But the next round's on me
And I know it won't be the last time
[Chorus]
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
Then I know just what we'll do
Oh we'll take a walk down those golden streets
And find that same old corner booth
But I might take a few seconds to ask God some questions
I didn't last time I was through
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I'd spend them all with you
[Outro]
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I'd spend them all with you
Reba McEntire Songs
Reba's Album, "Not That Fancy" is a 14-song distillation of the Cobb-produced acoustic versions from 2021 that featured the new song "Seven Minutes in Heaven."
Songs Included On "Not That Fancy"
The Fear Of Being Alone (Acoustic Version)
Consider Me Gone (Acoustic Version)
Seven Minutes In Heaven
The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (Acoustic Version)
Does He Love You (Acoustic Version) [feat. Dolly Parton]
One Promise Too Late (Acoustic Version)
The Last One To Know (Acoustic Version)
New Fool At An Old Game (Acoustic Version)
I'm A Survivor (Acoustic Version)
Fancy (Acoustic Version)
Watch Reba McEntire's Video of Seven Minutes In Heaven
About Reba McEntire's Video
Reba McEntire's "Seven Minutes In Heaven" music video poignantly honors her late mother.
The video starts with Reba poised in a "quiet corner booth" at a bar, anticipating a special reunion
Captivating listeners, the chorus unveils McEntire's heartfelt sentiments: "If I had seven minutes in heaven / I’d spend them all with you"
Throughout, Reba vividly enacts the song's lyrics, poised in that "quiet corner booth", sipping a beer, and longing for her cherished encounter
The video finishes by showcasing a classic black-and-white photograph of Jacqueline McEntire, poignantly positioned beside an unoccupied beer bottle
Mason Dixon directed the video, with Christen Pinkston overseeing production
In essence, the "Seven Minutes In Heaven" video is a beautifully understated homage to Reba's mother.
Country music, at its core, is about raw, genuine emotions and stories that resonate. Reba McEntire's "Seven Minutes In Heaven" intertwines deep personal grief with a universal feeling of loss.
Reba's bond with her mother, Jacqueline, has been the cornerstone of her life and music.
This recent tribute is a stark reminder of the depth of their relationship and how the memories they created continue to inspire her artistry.
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Not That Fancy By Reba McEntire
Reba's 2019 album, "Stronger Than The Truth," concluded with a heartfelt song dedicated to her mother titled "You Never Gave Up On Me."
The significance of this song deepened for Reba when, just a short while after its release, when her Mother sadly passed away from cancer in 2020.
Reba McEntire unveiled her latest lifestyle book titled "Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots."
Within its pages, you will find a mix of funny anecdotes, touching narratives, personal photographs, practical lifestyle advice, and delicious recipes.
A week later, Reba released a new song and video for the Not That Fancy album that accompanies the new book.
Who Was Reba's Mother?
Jacqueline McEntire, born on November 6, 1926, had the heart and soul of a country singer. But fate had different plans, leading her to become a public school teacher, librarian, and secretary.
Reba McEntire's Father
She married Clark McEntire, a world-champion steer roper. They were married on March 17, 1950, in Atoka County, Oklahoma and raised four children, Reba, Alice, Pake, and Susie.
Jacqueline was the backbone of the family.
Reba remembers her mother fondly. She opened up about her mother's death on the Today show, saying “She was really encouraging for all of us kids, whatever we wanted to do.”
“Mama was the one that inspired us kids, taught us kids how to sing, took us to our singing gigs and was our biggest cheerleader,” she added. “She taught us harmony. Anytime anybody needed an opinion of who’s off, Mama would come in with her spatula after she was frying potatoes.”
Her mom would then give her opinion and say, “Oh, that’s perfect!”
McEntire smiles fondly, “And she’d go back in and keep frying potatoes.”
Clark and Jacqueline were married for 66 years before Clark's death in 2014 at the age of 86. Jacqueline McEntire passed away 6 years later, on March 14, 2020, at the age of 93, after battling cancer.
Reba McEntire's Mother Passed Away
On March 14, 2020, Jacqueline's beautiful journey on earth concluded, leaving behind memories and an indelible mark on Reba's heart and soul. Reba's adoration for her mother has been evident throughout her career.
Reba shared with her fans, “Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today,” Reba continues, “She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go.”
She concluded: “The cancer might think it won the battle but we’re giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him. She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy and all her family and friends.”
For a brief moment, Reba was so distraught, she considered leaving music.
She recalled a story to the NY Post.
After flipping through old snapshots of her family with her sister, Susie, and stating: “I said, ‘I just don’t think I’m going to do this anymore.'”
“[Susie] said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘Sing.’ I said, ‘I always did it for Mama.’ She said, ‘Oh, you’ll get it back.’ I did,” McEntire sighed.
“I’m busier than I’ve ever been. I’m so grateful and thankful,” she went on.
To quote Reba, 'My mama was my rock, the thread that held our family together. Every song, every award, and every moment in the spotlight was shared with her.'
Reba McEntire's Career
Reba McEntire emerged as a country music superstar in the 1980s, achieving a level of fame where she's recognized by just her first name, akin to Dolly and Madonna.
Her journey to stardom wasn't quick; it wasn't until her sixth year of recording and touring that she hit number one with "Can't Even Get the Blues." Her breakthrough came after embracing the new traditionalist movement with her album "My Kind of Country," leading to a series of chart-toppers and her eventual crossover into acting and Broadway, yet she never lost her country essence.
Reba's roots are deeply embedded in the rodeo circuits of Oklahoma, where she grew up in a musical household. Encouraged by her mother, Reba and her siblings formed the Singing McEntires during their childhood, with Reba's early songwriting including a tribute to her grandfather.
Her passion for music persisted through college until a chance meeting with country artist Red Steagall, who helped launch her career in Nashville. Despite initial setbacks with Mercury Records, Reba's persistence paid off, leading to a successful transition to MCA Records and a string of hits that solidified her place in country music lore.
Her career, while marked by tragedy, including the loss of her band members in a plane crash, continued to flourish in the '90s with chart-topping albums and hits. Reba's adaptability was evident as she ventured into acting, starring on Broadway and in her own sitcom, "Reba."
After a brief hiatus from music, she returned with a string of albums, including a gospel project that won her a Grammy. In recent years, Reba has continued to evolve, releasing a lifestyle book, returning to MCA Nashville, and even taking a coach's chair on "The Voice," showcasing the enduring appeal of this multifaceted country icon.
Final Thoughts
Reba's songs aren't just melodies; they're heartfelt stories, each echoing a chapter of her life. And in them, many of us find our own stories reflected. We thank you Reba for your dedication to making beautiful, timeless music. And honor the amazing love you have for your mother.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.