Justin Moore Looks Back As ‘Time’s Ticking’ Climbs the Charts: ‘Number One Was Never In The Equation’

As “Time’s Ticking” continues its steady climb up the charts, Justin Moore is once again finding himself within reach of another milestone, with the track sitting inside the top ten and inching toward what could become the 14th No. 1 of his career. This is an achievement he admits still feels surreal.

“It’s pretty amazing, man. When I moved to Nashville, number one was never in the equation.  It was just, have a couple of hits and be able to play music and make some money,” he admitted. 

“And to be where we are – you know, to have 20+ top ten records and 13 number ones is just ridiculous. Point being, I’m very, very humbled with the career that we’ve had, and it’s just ridiculous, to be honest with ya. I don’t even know what to say about it but ‘thank you,’ you know?”

“Time’s Ticking” came together during a writing session with Moore, Randy Montana, Will Bundy, and Jeremy Stover at a property along Florida’s Panhandle in February 2023.

According to Moore, the song carries a fairly “simple” message. The title idea was brought in by Jeremy Stover, who found inspiration while reflecting on how quickly time seems to pass — especially when it comes to raising kids.

 “My kids are getting a little older,” Stover previously shared with Billboard “and just thinking on some of the moments I’ve missed, but also some of the ones I’ve been there for — you know, the ones I’ve been there for have been really, really valuable, and I appreciate a lot. That’s a big part of where that comes from.”

From there, the writers layered in their ideas until the song fully took shape. At its core, the track serves as a heartfelt reminder to slow down and pay attention to what truly matters. It opens with a quiet, introspective moment as a man pulls into a Kwik Sak and watches a funeral procession pass by, prompting a sudden awareness of just how fragile and fleeting life can be. That realization sparks a change in perspective, reflected in poignant lyrics that encourage listeners to cherish the little things, like calling your mom, hugging your kids, and making lasting memories with the people you love.

He sings, “So call your mama, kiss your babies/ Pick the one some roadside daisies/ Drink a beer with back-home buddies/ Make a memory, not just money/ Spinner bait a good honey hole/ Sunday drive’s good for the soul/ Put a little slow in your roll or you’re gonna miss it/ Time’s a-ticking.”

The song appears on Moore’s 2024 This Is My Dirt album and was originally released as a duet with Dierks Bentley. The solo version was released as a single and continues to climb the charts.