About the song
Toby Keith’s “A Little Too Late” (2006) stands as a powerful country ballad exploring the enduring themes of heartbreak, regret, and the consequences of taking love for granted. Released as the second single from his CD White Trash with Money, this poignant song reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was co-written by Keith, Scotty Emerick, and Dean Dillon, a skilled trio known for their emotional songwriting.
Musically, “A Little Too Late” embraces a traditional country-music sound defined by gentle acoustic guitar, mournful steel guitar, and a simple, heartfelt melody. This restrained sonic backdrop allows Keith’s expressive baritone vocals to take center stage as he delivers a raw and emotionally nuanced performance.
Produced by Lari White, “A Little Too Late” showcases a polished yet understated sonic palette that mirrors the somber introspection of the song’s message. White’s work highlights Keith’s heartfelt delivery, ensuring the emotional core of the song resonates deeply with listeners.
Beyond its chart success, “A Little Too Late” gained widespread praise for its relatable examination of heartbreak and lost love. The song taps into the universal fear of missing out on true love, and the regret associated with realizing the depth of one’s feelings too late. This relatable theme resonates strongly with listeners and contributed to its longevity as a country favorite.
“A Little Too Late” underscores Toby Keith’s ability to craft emotionally impactful and relatable songs. While known for his boisterous anthems, Keith demonstrates a softer side with this ballad, proving his versatility as an artist. The song stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted country song and its ability to explore the complexities of human emotion.
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Lyrics
It’s a little too late
I’m a little too gone,
A little too tired of this hangin’ on
So I’m letting go while I’m still strong enough to
It’s got a little too sad
I’m a little too blue
It’s a little too bad
You were too good to be true
I’m big time over you baby
It’s a little too lateNo I don’t want to want to talk about what we can do about us anymore
Only time you and me wastin’ is the time it takes to walk right out that door
Yeah talk about water under the bridge,
You should know by now girl that’s all this is[chorus]
It’s a little too late,
I’m a little too gone,
A little too tired of just hangin’ on
I’m letting go while I’m still strong enough to
It’s got a little too sad,
I’m a little too blue
It’s a little too bad
You were too good to be true
I’m big time over you baby
It’s a little too lateThere was a time,
this heart of mine,
would take you back every time
don’t you know
It’s been two packs of cigaretts
a sleepless night
a nervous wreck, a day ago.
Now you ain’t got no business coming around
I’m closing up shop
Shuttin’ us down[chorus]
It’s a little too late,
I’m a little too gone,
A little too tired of just hangin’ on
I’m letting go while I’m still strong enough to
It’s got a little too sad,
I’m a little too blue
It’s a little too bad
You were too good to be true
I’m big time over you baby
It’s a little too late
I’m big time over you baby,
It’s a little too late
