Their self-titled album was an underground sensation, particularly with smooth 70s easy listening ruling the airwaves back then. Chrissie Hynde once commented that every punk band ("And I knew them all") had both New York Dolls albums, illustrating the Dolls' influence. Still, the original line-up experienced many problems, particularly with the mainstream record industry that didn't know what to do with the wild group. Upon their break-up, frontman David Johansen had a moderately successful solo career.
In 2004, the three surviving members reunited for some sporadic touring. In 2006, now down to two surviving members, the band released a new album, 'One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This'. Two albums followed after this: 'Cause I Sez So', in 2009, followed up by a revamped lineup for 2011's 'Dancing Backward in High Heels'.
Sylvain Sylvain died on January 13, 2021. He was 69 years old.
Final lineup
* David Johansen - vocals, harmonica (1971-1977, 2004-2011)
* Sylvain Sylvain - guitar, bass, piano (1971-1977, 2004-2011; died 2021)
* Claton Pitcher - guitar (2011)
* Kenny Aaronson - bass (2021)
* Brian Delaney - drums (2005-2011)
Past members
* Johnny Thunders (deceased) - guitar, vocals (1971-1975)
* Rick Rivets - guitar (1971)
* Arthur Kane (deceased) - bass guitar (1971-1975, 2004)
* Billy Murcia (deceased) - drums (1971-1972)
* Jerry Nolan (deceased) - drums (1972-1976)
* Blackie Lawless - guitar (1975)
* Peter Jordan - bass (1975-1977)
* Chris Robison - keyboards (1975-1977)
* Tony Machine - drums (1976-1977)
* Gary Powell - drums (2004)
* Steve Conte - guitar (2004-2010)
* Sami Yaffa - bass (2005-2010)
* Frank Infante - guitar (2010-2011)
* Brian Koonin - keyboards (2005-2006)
* Earl Slick – guitar (2011)
* Jason Hill – bass (2010–2011)
It's Too Late
New York Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's somethin' wrong here, there can be no denyin'.
One of us is changin', or maybe we've just stopped tryin'.
And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,
Though we really did try to make it.
Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide,
And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no.
It used to be so easy, livin' here with you.
You were light and breezy, an' I knew just what to do.
Now you look so unhappy, and I feel like a fool.
And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,
Though we really did try to make it.
Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide,
And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no.
There'll be good times again for me and you,
But we just can't stay together; don't you feel it too?
Still I'm glad for what we had and how I once loved you.
And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,
Though we really did try to make it. (we can't make it)
Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide,
And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
It's too late baby, it's too late now darling
It's too late.
The song "It's Too Late" by New York Dolls is about the end of a relationship between two people who have grown apart. The opening lyrics "Stayed in bed all mornin' just to pass the time. There's somethin' wrong here, there can be no denyin'. One of us is changin', or maybe we've just stopped tryin'" suggests that there are problems within the relationship but the people involved are not sure what the issues are. The lyrics "And it's too late, baby now, it's too late, Though we really did try to make it. Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide, And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no" give the sense of resignation and sadness that the relationship is over and there is no going back.
The song goes on to mention some of the difficulties that caused the relationship to fall apart, including the fact that it was harder to be with the other person than it used to be, and that they no longer made each other happy. The lyrics "It used to be so easy, livin' here with you. You were light and breezy, an' I knew just what to do. Now you look so unhappy, and I feel like a fool" express the sense of loss and confusion that comes with the end of a relationship.
Overall, the song captures the sadness and regret that comes with the end of a relationship that was once strong and loving. It is a reminder that even the best relationships can falter and fail, and that it is important to acknowledge and grieve the loss when they do.
Line by Line Meaning
Stayed in bed all mornin' just to pass the time.
I spent my morning in bed because I am avoiding dealing with the issues in our relationship.
There's somethin' wrong here, there can be no denyin'.
Our relationship is experiencing some form of problem that we can no longer hide or ignore.
One of us is changin', or maybe we've just stopped tryin'.
Either one or both of us have undergone a significant change or we have lost the motivation to keep trying in our relationship.
And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,
Though we really did try to make it.
Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide,
And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no.
We have exhausted all our efforts in trying to fix our relationship, but something inside us has already withered and we can no longer deny or pretend about it.
It used to be so easy, livin' here with you.
You were light and breezy, an' I knew just what to do.
Now you look so unhappy, and I feel like a fool.
Our relationship used to be easier and more carefree in the past. But now, you seem unhappy, and I feel foolish because I can't fix the problem.
There'll be good times again for me and you,
But we just can't stay together; don't you feel it too?
Still I'm glad for what we had and how I once loved you.
I believe that we can still have good times in the future, but we both know that we can no longer stay together. Despite this, I am grateful for the past and how I once loved you.
And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,
Though we really did try to make it. (we can't make it)
Somethin' inside has died, and I can't hide,
And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
We have both given our best shot at saving our relationship, but it has come to the point where it's too late. That spark and connection have already died and there is no hiding or faking it anymore.
It's too late baby, it's too late now darling
It's too late.
The relationship has ended, and no amount of trying or bargaining can fix it anymore. It's too late.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID JOHANSEN, JOHNNY THUNDERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greg Surratt
Great song! Love this! New York Dolls Forever!
TLR
It's hard to write a blues song that doesn't sound like you're ripping off 20 other people, but this one is highly original.
UberLummox
Great point. And hello from the future.
mac jam
Bought it first time around while at school.this was punk before they called it punk great band great song.
R. Brooks Williams
Great lyrics from David, as usual. Love the Diana Dors reference. (She was once married to Richard Dawson!)
Kenneth Kuk
One of my favorite lps around 1975.. Didn't realize the Dawson thing...
Siggemannen
I'm trying to figure out those lyrics, it seems to be that the ones on the internet are somewhat wrong? What is this tune about? Dating a vacuous girl? And what's with the ghettos and 1933 and b-trips?
sickquads4me
My jam !!!
Kelsea Hopkins
love this drummer
Aaron Stark
Jerry Nolan! His drumming in Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers was great as well