It's Late
Rick Nelson Lyrics
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We gotta get on home
It's late (it's late)
We've been gone too long
Too bad (too bad)
We should a checked our time
Can't phone (can't phone)
It'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 wrong?
If we could a left home at a quarter to nine
Would a had fun and plenty of time
We got started just a little bit late
Hope this won't be our last date
Look 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 (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 wrong?
If we could a left home at a quarter to nine
Would a had fun and plenty of time
We got started just a little bit late
Hope this won't be our last date
Look 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)
In Rick Nelson's song "It's Late," the singer tells a story of trying to get home before it's too late. With repetition of the phrase "It's late" throughout the song, the sense of urgency is apparent. The couple in the song has been out for the evening and realizes they have stayed out too long. The repetition of "We gotta get on home" and "We've been gone too long" serves as a reminder of their need to return home. They have spent all of their money and are low on gas, which only adds to the stress of the situation.
The lyrics also mention a slow-down zone, indicating they are driving at a slower speed than they would like. The clock is a key component in the song, with the couple desperately wishing it would be wrong and wanting to turn back time so they could leave earlier. The lyrics imply that they may not have a chance to have another date because they got started late. They finally get to the girl's house where the singer has to face her angry dad, who is upset about them coming back so late.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was written by Roy Orbison and released in 1959. Rick Nelson's version was released in 1963 and charted at #9. It became one of his most popular songs, showcasing his talent as a rockabilly artist. The song has been covered by various other artists over the years, including The Hollies and Tom Petty.
Line by Line Meaning
It's late (it's late)
The singer is realizing that it is very late and they need to start heading home.
We gotta get on home
The singer and their date need to leave and go home.
We've been gone too long
The singer and their date have been away from home for too long and need to go back.
Too bad (too bad)
It's unfortunate that they didn't keep track of time.
We should a checked our time
The singer and their date should have been more aware of the time.
Can't phone (can't phone)
They can't call home because they have spent all their money.
We done spent every dime
The singer and their date have used up all their money.
We're 'bout to run outta gas
The car is running low on gas and they need to fill up soon.
Can't speed (can't speed)
They can't exceed the speed limit because they are in a slow-down zone.
We're in a slow-down zone
They have to drive slowly because they are in an area where speeding is not allowed.
Baby, look at that clock, why can't it be wrong?
The singer wishes that the clock was not correct so that they could have more time.
If we could a left home at a quarter to nine
If they had left earlier, they would have more time to spend together.
Would a had fun and plenty of time
They could have had more fun and spent more time together if they had left earlier.
We got started just a little bit late
The singer and their date started their outing later than they should have.
Hope this won't be our last date
The singer hopes that the lateness won't ruin their chances of having more dates with their companion.
Look up (look up)
The singer is asking their date to look up at the sky.
Is that the moon we see?
The singer is questioning whether or not the celestial body they see is the moon.
Can't be (can't be)
The singer realizes that it can't be the moon because of how bright it is.
Looks like the sun to me
The singer and their date realize that it is the sun that they see and not the moon.
I hate to face your Dad
The singer is worried about facing their companion's father after getting home so much later than expected.
I know he's gonna be mad
The singer is sure that their companion's father will be upset with them for staying out so late.
Lyrics ยฉ Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DORSEY BURNETTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bonkeydollocks1879
Still one of the coolest, short, simple, effective non ageing guitar solos
@tomrucco6490
That's James Burton the master of the Telecaster
@bonkeydollocks1879
@Tom Rucco correct, fave of elvis and the big 'o' too
@tomrucco6490
@bonkey dollocks and also the chairman of the board! Francis Albert Sinatra
@bonkeydollocks1879
@Tom Rucco never knew that, thanks
@tomrucco6490
@bonkey dollocks a little piece of History James Burton wasn't able to play what Elvis on the 68 Comeback because he had prior commitment with Sinatra recording studio album
@b3nchur
This song is only 1:30 and it tells a whole story. How does not even a little bit of this music still get made today. It's literally so well made.
@nolanhanson6172
It's like CCR, it's short and you wish it was longer, but they're great songs either way.
@muffs55mercury61
He skipped a little. The 45 rpm version is a little over 2 minutes.
@johndownes4136
All British guitarists waited for Rick's latest record to see how good the guitar solo was. Still love these great songs and solos.