Don't Blink

Album: Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates (2007)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • When this song about life going "faster than you think" debuted at #16 on the Billboard Hot Country Song charts, in September 2007, it overtook Keith Urban's "Once in a Lifetime" as the highest new entry in that listing. The record only lasted a week, as seven days later, Garth Brooks' "More Than a Memory" bulleted straight in at #1 on the Country chart.
  • "Don't Blink" is a reflective song where Kenny Chesney sings of a TV news story where a 102-year-old man is asked about the secret to his longevity. The man's response is "don't blink," which inspired the song's message about slowing down and cherishing every moment.
  • On September 10, 2007, BNA Records released "Don't Blink" as the second single from Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. Chesney didn't think it had hit potential, and on a plane ride to ABC Radio Networks in Dallas, he shared his reservations with label executives Joe Galante and Renee Bell. The country star thought the song was too formulaic and relied too heavily on manipulating listeners' emotions. However, upon arriving at the radio station, Chesney was surprised to hear positive feedback from a receptionist. Half-jokingly, Chesney accused Galante of putting the woman up to it.

    "Don't Blink" ended up becoming Chesney's 13th #1 hit on the Country chart in late 2007.

Comments: 1

  • Camille from Toronto, OhThe moral of this song rings so true: Trust me friend~a hundred years goes faster than you think
    So don't blink~Best start putting first things first.~Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand~You can't flip over and start again~Take every breathe God gives you for what it's worth~Don't Blink!! Couldn't have worded it any better!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"They're Playing My Song

Armed with a childhood spent devouring books, Mike Scott's heart was stolen by the punk rock scene of 1977. Not surprisingly, he would go on to become the most literate of rockers.

Concert Disasters

Concert DisastersFact or Fiction

Ozzy biting a dove? Alice Cooper causing mayhem with a chicken? Creed so bad they were sued? See if you can spot the real concert mishaps.