About the song
A song that transcends generations and heartbreak. Released in 1971 as part of her landmark album Tapestry, it’s become an anthem for anyone who’s ever grappled with the bittersweet pangs of a failing relationship.
King, of course, is a titan in the music industry. A songwriter extraordinaire alongside her former husband Gerry Goffin, they penned countless pop classics for the likes of The Shirelles and Aretha Franklin. But Tapestry marked a turning point. Here, King stepped out from behind the curtain, not just composing but also performing her own deeply personal songs.
“It’s Too Late” exemplifies this shift. The melody, crafted by King herself, is a masterclass in simplicity. A gentle piano intro sets the stage, its melancholic chords mirroring the emotional weight of the lyrics. These lyrics, penned by King’s friend Toni Stern, are where the song truly shines. They’re devoid of melodrama, instead opting for a raw honesty that resonates deeply. Lines like “Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time/There’s something wrong here, there can be no denying” paint a picture of a relationship slowly unraveling.
The beauty of the song lies in its universality. It doesn’t delve into specifics, the “what” and “why” of the failing relationship. Instead, it focuses on the emotional toll – the sense of denial, the lingering hope, and the eventual acceptance of a painful truth. This allows listeners to project their own experiences onto the song, making it a deeply personal experience for everyone.
“It’s Too Late” wasn’t initially intended to be a single. In fact, the record company favored the more upbeat “I Feel the Earth Move” as the A-side. However, radio DJs flipped the record, and the public overwhelmingly embraced the quieter, introspective “It’s Too Late”. It skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard charts, solidifying Tapestry‘s place as a cultural phenomenon.
The song’s influence extends far beyond the charts. It’s been covered by countless artists, from Roberta Flack to Rod Stewart, each offering their own interpretation of the timeless heartbreak. It’s also become a staple in film and television, soundtracking moments of emotional reckoning in everything from “When Harry Met Sally” to “This Is Us.”
“It’s Too Late” is more than just a breakup song. It’s a testament to the enduring power of vulnerability and honesty in music. It’s a reminder that even in the face of loss, there’s beauty to be found in acknowledging the truth. So, when you press play, prepare to be transported to a world of bittersweet emotions, a world where King’s voice and Stern’s words capture the universal language of a love that has run its course.
Video
Lyrics
“It’s Too Late”
There’s something wrong here, there can be no denying
One of us is changing, or maybe we’ve just stopped trying
And it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died and I can’t hide
And I just can’t fake it, Oh no no
It used to be so easy living here with you
You were light and breezy and I knew just what to do
Now you look so unhappy, and I feel like a fool
And it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died and I can’t hide
And I just can’t fake it, oh no no
There’ll be good times again for me and you
But we just can’t stay together, don’t you feel it too
Still I’m glad for what we had, and how I once loved you
But it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died and I can’t hide
And I just can’t fake it, Oh no no no no no
It’s too late
Baby
It’s too late
Now darling
It’s too late