The Meaning Behind The Song: Its Too Late by Carole King

Carole King is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her soulful, powerful voice and her ability to write music that touches the hearts of people all over the world. One of her most popular songs is “It’s Too Late,” a poignant ballad that tells the story of a love that has faded away. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this song and what makes it such an enduring classic.

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The Story Behind The Song

“It’s Too Late” was written by Carole King and lyricist Toni Stern in 1971. At the time, King was going through a difficult divorce from her husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin. The couple had been together for over a decade and had two children together, but their relationship had become strained due to Goffin’s infidelity and substance abuse issues.

During this period of uncertainty and heartbreak, King found solace in her music. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she said, “It was a very personal experience. Toni and I had been up talking all night, and the sun was coming up. We were talking about how everything was changing. It was the end of an era.”

King and Stern’s collaboration resulted in “It’s Too Late,” a song that speaks to the pain of letting go of a love that is no longer viable. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the inevitability of change and the difficulty of accepting that some things cannot be saved.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “It’s Too Late” are beautifully crafted, and they convey a sense of regret and sadness that is universal. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song:

“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.”

These lines capture the feeling of lethargy and confusion that often accompanies the end of a relationship. The second verse continues in this vein, exploring the ways in which the couple has grown apart:

“Used to be so easy to love you,
But looks like lately, girl, you’ve become a habit to me.
Woke up alone this morning, found a note beside my coffee cup,
It said, ‘Wake up, baby, I’m gone, goodbye.'”

The final lines of the chorus drive home the point that the relationship is truly over:

“It’s too late, baby, now it’s too late,
Though we really did try to make it.”

These lines have become iconic, and they are often quoted as a shorthand for a failed relationship.

The Music

The music of “It’s Too Late” is as memorable as the lyrics. The song opens with a simple piano riff that is instantly recognizable. This riff is played throughout the song, providing a steady anchor for King’s vocals. The rest of the instrumentation is spare, with drums, bass, and guitar providing subtle support.

One of the standout features of the music is the way in which it mirrors the emotions of the lyrics. The opening piano riff is mournful and melancholy, setting the tone for the rest of the song. As the vocals become more intense, the instrumentation builds in intensity as well, culminating in a cathartic instrumental break towards the end of the song.

The Legacy

“It’s Too Late” was released in 1971 as part of King’s iconic album “Tapestry,” which went on to win four Grammy Awards and sell over 25 million copies worldwide. The album’s popularity helped to establish King as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 1970s.

In the years since its release, “It’s Too Late” has become a classic of the singer-songwriter genre. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Gloria Estefan, Rod Stewart, and Amy Grant. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, adding to its enduring popularity.

In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked “It’s Too Late” at #469 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. This ranking is a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

The Meaning Today

The themes of “It’s Too Late” are as relevant today as they were in 1971. The song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go of a love that has run its course. In a world where divorce rates are high and relationships are often tumultuous, the message of the song is particularly poignant.

The song also speaks to the inevitability of change. As King said in the Rolling Stone interview, “‘It’s Too Late’ is basically about relationships and the idea that they really are ephemeral. It’s ultimately about the concept that you can’t go home again – that everyone has to move on eventually.”

This message is especially resonant in a world where change is happening at an unprecedented pace. The pandemic has upended many aspects of our lives, and it has forced us to confront the reality that things are constantly in flux.

Conclusion

“It’s Too Late” is a timeless classic that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go. Carole King’s soulful vocals and the spare instrumentation combine to create a song that is both haunting and beautiful. The song’s legacy is a testament to its enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. As the world continues to change, the message of the song remains as relevant today as it was in 1971.

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