Carole King – It’s Too Late

About the song

“It’s Too Late” stands as an enduring testament to Carole King’s profound musicality and lyrical prowess, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of love’s end with an unmatched emotional resonance. Released in 1971 as part of her seminal album *Tapestry*, the song quickly ascended to the summit of the charts, claiming the number 1 spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. Written by Toni Stern and Carole King, the song’s lyrics poignantly narrate the dissolution of a relationship, capturing the inevitability of parting ways with poignant simplicity.

Critically acclaimed for its introspective narrative, “It’s Too Late” garnered widespread acclaim for its maturity and emotional depth. Music critics hailed its feminist undertones, noting the unconventional portrayal of a woman initiating the breakup. Dave Marsh underscored its significance, suggesting it as perhaps the truest anthem of heartbreak ever penned. Robert Christgau echoed this sentiment, highlighting its universal appeal and authenticity in depicting the complexities of love lost.

Musically, the song melds elements of Tin Pan Alley with a sophisticated jazz-infused arrangement, featuring Carole King’s soulful vocals and deft piano playing. Accompanied by Danny Kortchmar’s evocative guitar, Curtis Amy’s plaintive saxophone, and a rhythmic backbone provided by Joel O’Brien on drums and Charles Larkey on bass, the song achieves a seamless blend of melancholy and introspection.

Beyond its critical success, “It’s Too Late” earned commercial accolades, including platinum certification from the RIAA, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural impact. The song’s inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time further solidifies its status as a timeless classic. Its Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1972 stands as a testament to its artistic merit and lasting influence.

Moreover, “It’s Too Late” has found a place in popular culture, featuring prominently in various films and television series, thereby extending its legacy to new generations of listeners. Its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003 further cements its status as a pivotal work in American popular music history.

In essence, “It’s Too Late” not only exemplifies Carole King’s unparalleled talent as a singer-songwriter but also serves as a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the enduring power of music to capture the human experience in its most vulnerable moments.

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