Not Too Late
Lee Alexander/Norah Jones Lyrics


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Tell me how you've been
Tell me what you've seen
And tell me that you'd like to see me too

'Cause my heart is full of no blood
And my cup is full of no love
I couldn't take another sip even if I wanted
But it's not too late, hmm
It's not too late for love

My lungs are out of air
And yours are holding smoke
And it's been like that now for so long

And I've seen people try to change
And I know it isn't easy
But nothin' worth the time ever really is

And it's not too late, ooh
It's not too late for love
For love




For love
For love

Overall Meaning

In the song "Not Too Late," Lee Alexander and Norah Jones create an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness, but also a glimmer of hope with the possibility of love. The singer is pleading for a connection and wants to know how the other person has been and what they've seen. They want to believe this person may want to see them too. But the singer describes feeling empty inside, with no love in their cup and no blood in their heart. They can't even bear to take another sip of love even if it was offered. The imagery of love as a liquid is an interesting metaphor, suggesting the idea that love can nourish and fill us up. But when the cup is empty, there's nothing left to give.


The second verse describes two people living together with very different lifestyles. The singer's lungs are empty, while the other's lungs are filled with smoke. They have been living like this for a while, and although the singer has seen people try to change their ways, nothing ever really comes of it. There is a sense of acceptance but also a feeling of wanting more. The last chorus offers the hope that it's not too late for love, even if it feels like it's too late for everything else. Love may be the one thing that is worth the effort, even if everything else seems to be going wrong.


Line by Line Meaning

Tell me how you've been
Give me an update on your life


Tell me what you've seen
Share with me your experiences


And tell me that you'd like to see me too
Express your desire to spend time with me


'Cause my heart is full of no blood
My heart feels empty and lifeless


And my cup is full of no love
I am lacking in affection or caring


I couldn't take another sip even if I wanted
I am incapable of receiving more love at this moment


But it's not too late, hmm
There is still hope for love


It's not too late for love
Love is still possible


My lungs are out of air
I feel suffocated


And yours are holding smoke
You're caught up in something harmful


And it's been like that now for so long
This situation has persisted for an extended period of time


And I've seen people try to change
I have witnessed others attempt to alter similar circumstances


And I know it isn't easy
I am aware of the difficulty of making changes


But nothin' worth the time ever really is
If something is worthwhile, it will require effort and determination


And it's not too late, ooh
Love can still be possible


It's not too late for love
There is still hope for love


For love
Love is the ultimate goal


For love
Love is worth pursuing


For love
Love is important




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Lee Alexander, Norah Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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