About the song
A late-night classic: Ricky Nelson and “It’s Late”
The golden age of rock and roll was a time of innovation and excitement, with new sounds and styles emerging all the time. One of the most popular and influential artists of this era was Ricky Nelson. With his good looks, charm, and undeniable talent, Nelson was a teen idol who captured the hearts of millions. But Nelson was more than just a pretty face; he was also a gifted musician and songwriter. His songs were often personal and introspective, dealing with themes of love, loss, and loneliness.
One of Nelson’s most enduring songs is “It’s Late,” a ballad about the end of a relationship. The song was written by Nelson and released in 1959 as the B-side of his single “Never Be Anyone Else But You.” “It’s Late” quickly became a fan favorite, and it has since been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Willie Nelson.
The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, telling the story of a man who is coming to terms with the end of a relationship. The narrator sings about how he has been spending his nights alone, listening to the radio and thinking about his lost love. He knows that it is time to move on, but he is still struggling to let go.
The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, perfectly capturing the mood of the lyrics. Nelson’s vocals are warm and expressive, and he delivers the song with a sense of conviction and sincerity. “It’s Late” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
“It’s Late”
It’s late (it’s late)We gotta get on homeIt’s late (it’s late)We’ve been gone too longToo bad (too bad)We shoulda checked our timeCan’t phone (can’t phone)We done spent ev’ry dimeIt’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 wrongIf 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 dateLook 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 longIt’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 wrongIf 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 dateLook 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)