Before applying to The X Factor, he was the frontman, lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player of the band Seven Summers and also Darwyn. Seven Summers released a self-titled debut rock album Seven Summers on 22 January 2010. The band performed live on Sue Merchant's BBC radio program on 8 December 2009. Darwyn released two albums entitled When You Wake, and Little Sunlight between 2005 and 2009 as well as playing Sue Marchants BBC radio programme. He also still plays the occasional acoustic gig with former Darwyn band mate Ali McMillan.
He auditioned for The X Factor with "You Know I'm No Good". After Cardle made it through the bootcamp stages, he was sent to Australia and was put into Dannii Minogue's group (in the Boys category). There he began to form a bromance with fellow contestant Aiden Grimshaw. Minogue mentored Cardle throughout the whole show until he won the final on December 12, 2010. After coming second in week one (Final 16 round) of public voting, Matt Cardle consistently came first from week 2 onwards until week 10, the competition final held on 11-12 December 2010.
On week 1 he sang When Love Takes Over by David Guetta & Kelly Rowland, on week 2 he sang Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, on week 3 he sang ...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears, on week 4 he sang Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, on week 5 he sang The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack, on week 6 he sang Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, on week 7 he sang Come Together by The Beatles, on week 8 he sang I Love Rock N' Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts & Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues, on week 9 he sang You've Got The Love by Florence + The Machine & She's Always a Woman by Billy Joel and on week 10 (the final) he sang Here With Me by Dido, Unfaithful (duet with Rihanna) by Rihanna, Firework by Katy Perry & When We Collide by Biffy Clyro.
Cardle is a former painter and decorator living in Little Maplestead in Essex. Born to parents David and Jennifer Cardle, he was diagnosed with Wilms' tumour, a form of cancer when he was a toddler. He recovered after one of his kidneys was removed at age 2. He is now in a serious bromance with Aiden Grimshaw and together they have a massive fanbase supporting them every step of the way.
A Little Too Late
Matt Cardle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear the devil cry
I'm done borrowing time
You went and cross the line
Must've lost your mind
We don't matter now
Forget it, forget it
'Cause you gave it away, gave it away
So don't keep running from the truth
It's a little too late now
It's a little too late now
We're gonna sink in a sea of duplicity
When you're spinning that wheel
Tell me what are you trying to prove?
No matter what hand you play, you lose
We just don't matter now
Forget it, forget it
It's a little too late now
'Cause you gave it away, gave it away
So don't keep running from the truth
It's a little too late now
It's a little too late now
I'm taking it back again
The heart that was in your hands
I will never forgive
Though you can pretend
Spin me another lie
'Cause you played me for the last time
It's a little too late now
'Cause you gave it away, gave it away
So don't keep running from the truth
It's a little too late now
It's a little too late now
The opening lyrics of the song 'A Little Too Late' by Matt Cardle create a vivid imagery of a conflicted man who is hearing the devil's cry in the crimson skies. The singer conveys that he has run out of patience and time with someone who has crossed the line and is not worth his attention anymore. He asserts that it's too late to redeem themselves, as they have given away their chances and continue to run from the truth. The lines "We're gonna sink in a sea of duplicity/ When you're spinning that wheel/ Tell me what are you trying to prove?" imply that communication barriers have already been formed due to mistrust.
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes that it's too late to reconcile, and the singer is taking back his heart from the other person's hands, which he will never forgive. The lyrics showcase the pain and hurt caused by deceit in a relationship and how it leads to a broken connection beyond repair. Matt Cardle's soulful voice and the song's instrumentation add to the melancholy and intensity of the lyrics, creating a powerful emotional impact on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
In crimson skies
As I observe the red sky, which symbolizes danger and aggression.
I hear the devil cry
I listen to the voice of my inner (demonic) conscience crying out in disapproval.
I'm done borrowing time
I'm not going to waste any more time trying to win your affection or attention.
You went and cross the line
You have violated a boundary which I cannot ignore or tolerate.
Must've lost your mind
You must be out of your senses to think what you did was acceptable.
We don't matter now
Our once-favored relationship has lost its value.
Forget it, forget it
Let's leave everything behind and move on.
It's a little too late now
It's too far gone to patch things up between us.
'Cause you gave it away, gave it away
You should have been more cautious and cared to protect our bond
So don't keep running from the truth
I suggest you confront the reality of the situation, rather than avoiding it.
We're gonna sink in a sea of duplicity
We face ruin as we get caught in a web of deceit.
When you're spinning that wheel
You're taking unnecessary risks that will lead to our downfall.
Tell me what are you trying to prove?
I'd like to know the reason behind the foolish actions you've taken.
No matter what hand you play, you lose
Your actions will come back to haunt you in the end.
I'm taking it back again
I'm reclaiming the heart that I once gave to you.
The heart that was in your hands
The love you once held has now resurfaced in my own possession.
I will never forgive
I cannot bring myself to pardon the harm you have caused me.
Though you can pretend
You may choose to act like it doesn't affect you, but I know it does.
Spin me another lie
Save yourself the trouble, as I won't believe anything you say anymore.
'Cause you played me for the last time
Your actions of hurt and betrayal have pushed me to draw the line.
Contributed by Ian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.