“4 Minutes” by Madonna (ft. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland”

“4 Minutes” mainly details a sense of urgency to achieve a particular change either in the narrator’s personal world or in the world as a whole.

In the intro, emphasis is placed on the fact that though this time is inadequate, it may just be the perfect amount to push the kind of change she needs to happen. The first verse of the song however takes an unexpected turn when the singer uses euphemisms to describe an intimate encounter she wants to have.

It is however uncertain if she and her partner are looking to save the world through their own relationship or are looking to use these 4 minutes to send a message through their music.

Madonna has mentioned that this song is mainly about having a sense of urgency, saving the planet while simultaneously having a good time in the process.

Creation of “4 Minutes”

A team made up of four songwriters (including Madonna) composed the lyrics as well as music of “4 Minutes”. Timberlake and Timbaland (who are featured on the song) were also members of this songwriting team. Noted American music producer and songwriter Danja is also a co-writer.

All the members of the song’s writing team (with the exception of Madonna) also produced it. The entire writing and recording process took place in 2007.

Release

Madonna released this (through Warner Bros.) in March 2008. It was one of Hard Candy‘s singles. FYI “Hard Candy” was the eleventh album (studio-wise) that Madonna released.

A Number 1 Hit

Madonna enjoyed major success with the release of this dance-pop song. Not only was it a huge commercial hit but it also received very high ratings from analysts. In approximately 21 countries, “4 Minutes” reached number 1. Some of these countries include Britain, Germany, Spain and Canada.

In the United States, it entered into the top 10 of Billboard’s “Hot 100” charts and actually reached number 3 (which was its peak position). Upon making it into the top 10 list in America, the song became the 37th song from Madonna’s catalog to enter the aforementioned list. This remarkable feat made Madonna a record breaker. She became the artist with the highest number of top-ten hit songs. The legendary Elvis Presley previously held that record with a total number of 36 hits.

By virtue of its massive popularity, “4 Minutes” sold millions of copies (5 million) around the world.

Did “4 Minutes” win Madonna a Grammy?

No. However, it earned Madonna two Grammy nominations during 2009’s Grammys.

The song received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 2009 ceremony.

Is this song actually 4 minutes long?

It has a runtime of precisely 4 minutes and 4 seconds.