Some songs are more than melodies — they’re time machines. Keith Urban’s Wasted Time is one of those rare tracks that instantly transports you to endless summer days, warm nights, and the golden rush of youth.

Released in 2016 as part of his Ripcord album, Wasted Time quickly became a fan favorite. Rather than talking about fame or achievements, the song celebrates moments that matter most: afternoons by the river, laughter echoing down highways, and the thrill of living in the now when youth is still yours to keep.

What makes Wasted Time stand out is its blend of electronic banjo and modern pop-country rhythms — a sound both fresh and familiar. Keith Urban has said that he wanted the song to capture the “pure feeling of freedom” we’ve all known — when life was simpler and joy came from small, perfect moments.

For many listeners, Wasted Time isn’t just a summer anthem; it’s a reminder to cherish the present. Because one day, when we look back, it’s those so-called “wasted” hours that become our most treasured memories.

Even now, when the song plays, fans often find themselves back on that old familiar road — car windows down, wind in their hair, Keith’s voice blending with the laughter of friends.

🎵 Suggested listening: Keith Urban – Wasted Time

The rain is coming down tonightI’m smiling looking at this photographI hear that song and I’m flying right backTo when we had it madeEvery Friday night when the sun went downWe’d be running them streets like we owned the town
And I just can’t let it go, no, I just can’t let it goI wonder if you ever think about it like I doSeven kids on my two lane roadHad the guns on the radioAfter all this time it still feels so good
When I think about those summer nightsSinging out the window, on the back roads, Sweet Child of MineSipping on the local’s spark of lightAin’t it funny how the best days of my lifeWas all that wasted timeAll that wasted time
Out of nowhere, it slipped awayAnd the rope by the river hangs silentlyAnd the town that I knew ain’t nothing like it used to beAh, I can’t explainThey took all the color from the picture frameAnd the days got sold to the greed and the game
But I just can’t let it go, no, I just can’t let it goI wonder if you ever think about it like I doSeven kids on my two lane roadWe had the guns on the radioAfter all this time it still feels so good
When I think about those summer nightsSinging out the window, on the back roads, Sweet Child of MineSipping on the local’s spark of lightAin’t it funny how the best days of my lifeWas all that wasted timeAll that wasted timeSwinging on the lineLiving all that wasted timeHey, hey, now
Summer dresses rained on the hood of the carOnly music that we had was out the left speakerWe were living every second ’til the time ran outWe had nothing but we had it allWhen I think about those summer nightSneaking out the window, running back roadsYour hand in mineWe were going nowhere, we were so aliveUh huh, ain’t it crazy how the best days of my lifeWas all that wasted timeAll that wasted timeWe were swinging out on the lineLiving all that wasted timeHey, you know ohDon’t you feel it coming on back now