Carole King – It’s Too Late ( 1971)

About the song

“It’s Too Late” is a poignant and evocative song by the legendary singer-songwriter Carole King, featured on her groundbreaking 1971 album “Tapestry.” This album, often hailed as one of the greatest in the history of pop music, showcased King’s remarkable ability to blend deeply personal lyrics with universally relatable themes, all set to her signature melodic style.

Composed by Carole King with lyrics by Toni Stern, “It’s Too Late” captures the bittersweet end of a romantic relationship. The song’s narrative reflects the complexities of love and the inevitability of change, expressed through King’s heartfelt vocals and intricate piano work. The opening lines, “Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time / There’s something wrong here, there can be no denying,” immediately draw listeners into a story of introspection and acceptance.

Upon its release, “It’s Too Late” quickly resonated with audiences, becoming one of the defining tracks of the 1970s. The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1971, where it remained for five consecutive weeks. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and was a major hit internationally, further cementing Carole King’s status as a musical icon.

The success of “It’s Too Late” was instrumental in the overall triumph of “Tapestry,” an album that not only topped the Billboard 200 for 15 weeks but also remained on the chart for an astonishing six years. The album earned King four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Songs like “It’s Too Late” played a pivotal role in the album’s enduring appeal, showcasing King’s ability to convey raw emotion and introspection through her music.

The song’s arrangement, featuring a blend of soft rock and jazz influences, complements its lyrical content perfectly. The gentle yet insistent piano melody, combined with a subtle rhythm section and emotive guitar work, creates a lush sonic landscape that enhances the song’s reflective tone. This sophisticated musicality appealed to a wide audience, including those who appreciated the more mature themes and intricate compositions emerging in pop music at the time.

Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, “It’s Too Late” continues to be a staple in Carole King’s illustrious catalog. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its timeless quality and the deep impact it has had on listeners. Its inclusion on the “Tapestry” album not only marked a high point in King’s career but also influenced countless musicians and songwriters who followed in her footsteps.

In essence, “It’s Too Late” by Carole King is a masterful blend of lyrical depth and musical sophistication. Its success on the charts, coupled with the enduring popularity of the “Tapestry” album, highlights King’s exceptional talent and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The song remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of love and the poignant beauty that can be found in acceptance and letting go.

Video

Lyrics

Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time
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