About the song
“A Little Too Late” by Toby Keith is a compelling country song that gained significant popularity upon its release in April 2006 as the second single from his album *White Trash with Money*. Co-written by Keith himself along with Scotty Emerick and Dean Dillon, the song swiftly climbed the charts, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
**Content**
The song features a moderate up-tempo beat dominated by electric guitars, providing a lively backdrop for its poignant lyrics. “A Little Too Late” portrays a storyline where a male protagonist addresses his former lover, conveying that their relationship has come to an end. The lyrics explore themes of regret and closure, as the protagonist reflects on the consequences of missed chances and decisions that led to the dissolution of their romance.
**Music Video**
Directed by Michael Salomon, the music video for “A Little Too Late” premiered on CMT and Great American Country on May 11, 2006. The video begins with Toby Keith entering a basement stairwell with a shovel, humorously announcing his return home. He proceeds to play a vinyl record of the single and confronts his ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Krista Allen, who is bound to a chair in the basement.
In a series of darkly comedic scenes, Keith mocks his girlfriend as he prepares to build a brick wall to seal her inside. However, the tables turn when Keith inadvertently bricks himself into the basement, realizing his mistake too late. As the woman manages to free herself by disrupting the record player, Keith futilely calls out for help, adding a humorous twist to the video’s narrative. Notably, Keith sports a baseball cap instead of his trademark cowboy hat in this video, adding to its distinctive visual style.
**Chart Performance**
Upon its debut on the Hot Country Songs chart at number 45, “A Little Too Late” quickly gained traction with radio airplay, ascending to number 30 in its first official week. The song eventually peaked at number 2 in early August, where it remained for two weeks after a steady climb in popularity. Its success on the charts solidified Toby Keith’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary country music, showcasing his ability to deliver emotionally resonant songs with mass appeal.
**Legacy**
Beyond its chart performance, “A Little Too Late” remains a standout in Toby Keith’s discography, appreciated for its blend of upbeat instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling. The song’s narrative of love lost and lessons learned resonates with audiences, making it a memorable addition to the genre. Its enduring popularity underscores Toby Keith’s talent for crafting songs that strike a chord with listeners through their relatable themes and infectious melodies.
In conclusion, “A Little Too Late” exemplifies Toby Keith’s ability to merge storytelling prowess with musical charisma. With its engaging music video and successful chart performance, the song continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming Toby Keith’s status as a celebrated artist in the realm of contemporary country music.
Video
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 late
No, I don’t 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
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
There was a time this heart of mine
Would take you back every time, don’t you know?
But that’s been two packs of cigarettes
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
It’s a little too late
I’m a little too gone
I’m a little too tired of just 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 late
I’m big time over you, baby
It’s a little too late