About the song
“It’s Late” is a timeless rock ‘n’ roll anthem that has captivated audiences for decades. Penned by Dorsey Burnette, the song first saw the light of day in 1958, but it wasn’t until Ricky Nelson’s iconic rendition in 1959 that it truly skyrocketed to fame.
While Burnette’s original recording remained relatively obscure, Nelson’s version quickly became a chart-topper, securing a place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Its infectious melody, coupled with Nelson’s charismatic vocals, propelled the song to the number 3 spot on the UK charts and a respectable number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, its crossover appeal is evident in its number 30 placement on the R&B chart, demonstrating its broad resonance.
Included on Nelson’s 1959 album, “Ricky Sings Again,” “It’s Late” solidified its status as a cornerstone of his discography. Its enduring popularity is further cemented by its inclusion in Billboard magazine’s Top 100 songs of 1959, ranking at number 74. This recognition underscores the song’s significant impact on the music landscape of that era.
Video
Lyrics
It’s late, it’s late
We gotta get on home
It’s late, it’s late
We’ve been gone too long
Too bad, too bad
We shoulda checked our time
Can’t phone, can’t phone
We done spent every dime
It’s late, it’s late
We’re ’bout to run outta gas
It’s late, it’s late
We gotta get home fast
Can’t speed, can’t speed
We’re in a slow-down zone
Baby, look at that clock
Why can’t it be wrong
If we coulda left home at a quarter to nine
Woulda had fun and plenty of time
We got started just a little bit late
Hope this won’t be our last date
Look up, look up
Is that the moon we see?
Can’t be, can’t be
Looks like the sun to me
It’s late, it’s late
I hate to face your dad
Too bad, too bad
I know he’s gonna be mad
It’s late, it’s late
We gotta get on home
It’s late, it’s late
We’ve been gone too long
It’s late, it’s late
We’re ’bout to run outta gas
It’s late, it’s late
We gotta get home fast
Can’t speed, can’t speed
We’re in a slow-down zone
Baby, look at that clock
Why can’t it be wrong
If we coulda left home at a quarter to nine
Woulda had fun and plenty of time
We got started just a little bit late
Hope this won’t be our last date
Look up, look up
Is that the moon we see?
Can’t be, can’t be
Looks like the sun to me
It’s late, it’s late
I hate to face your dad
Too bad, too bad
I know he’s gonna be mad
It’s late, it’s late
We gotta get on home
It’s late, it’s late
We’ve been gone too long
It’s late