Introduction:
In 1971, singer-songwriter Carole King released her landmark album, Tapestry, a collection of introspective and emotionally resonant songs that resonated deeply with audiences. While the album itself went on to achieve legendary status, one song in particular captured the complexities of love and loss: “It’s Too Late”.
King, a seasoned songwriter with a string of successful collaborations with her former husband Gerry Goffin, took a more personal approach on Tapestry. She wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the album, drawing inspiration from her own experiences. However, the lyrics for “It’s Too Late” came from a different source. Toni Stern, a friend and aspiring songwriter, penned the poignant lyrics after the end of her own relationship. Stern, a painter and poet, captured the raw emotions of a love lost in a way that resonated with King. King then set the lyrics to music, crafting a melody that perfectly complemented the bittersweet sentiment of the words.
Although the original plan was for the rocking “I Feel the Earth Move” to be the lead single from Tapestry, radio DJs discovered the magic of “It’s Too Late” on the album’s B-side. Listeners connected with the song’s relatable themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the lingering pain of a love that could not be saved. “It’s Too Late” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary charts. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song Gold, signifying sales of over a million copies.
The success of “It’s Too Late” wasn’t limited to the charts. At the 1972 Grammy Awards, the song received one of the ceremony’s most prestigious awards: Record of the Year. This win was particularly significant as King became the first solo female artist to take home the award. “It’s Too Late” further cemented its place in music history when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to its enduring impact.
“It’s Too Late” transcended its chart success to become a cultural touchstone. The song’s raw honesty and relatable themes continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. Its inclusion on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time further solidifies its place as a timeless classic. Carole King’s powerful vocals, combined with Stern’s evocative lyrics and King’s masterful piano work, create a song that continues to move hearts and inspire generations of artists and listeners alike.
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Lyrics:
I’ve chased all the cracks up and down the ceilingWorn a path across these hardwood floorsI’ve stared at the wallsand I’ve looked out the windowAnd I pray for your knock upon my door
There’s a sad lovers’ moonshining on the eveningI miss you more than everand I’m sorry that you’re goneI wish things were differentI had no way of knowingIf you’re all by yourself tonightYou ain’t alone,You ain’t alone
No coffee on the stoveAnd on the table in the kitchenThere’s a busted hand of midnight solitaireThere’s a ghost in the bedroomA nightgown on the dresserA broken heart that wishes you were there
There’s a sad lovers’ moons hining on the eveningI miss you more than everand I’m sorry that you’re goneI wish things were differentI had no way of knowingIf you’re all by yourself tonightYou ain’t aloneYou ain’t alone
Tears of sorrow and regretAshtrays full of cigarettesEmpty bottles lined up just like soldiersBut by now somebody holds her