One of the most popular black singers of the 60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of black music to a wide audience and has influenced almost countless rnb artists over the years. It all got started in Prattville, Alabama, where he was raised. Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of sixteen, and he made his professional debut spending several years singing with the gospel group The Violinaires in the late 50s. From 1961 to 1963, he was in The Falcons, writing and singing their 1962 hit "I Found A Love".
Pickett then went solo and signed with Lloyd Price's Double L Records, where he wrote and recorded "If You Love Me" and "It's Too Late." In 1964, Pickett signed with Atlantic Records and did his early recordings in the Stax studio in Memphis, Tennessee with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper of The MGs. Cropper co-authored three of his early hits, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Don't Fight It from his debut album The Exciting Wilson Pickett that established him as a major soul star. The album also included "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)," "She's So Good to Me," and "Land of a 1,000 Dances," all recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Pickett then had hits with "Mustang Sally," "I Found a Love," and "Funky Broadway," all recorded in Muscle Shoals. Pickett then teamed with Bobby Womack in 1968 for Midnight Mover that yielded a Top 10 R7B and pop hit with Womack's title song. In 1969, Pickett had a major hit with The Beatles "Hey Jude,", followed in 1970 by "Sugar, Sugar." Later in 1970, Pickett worked with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The result was two crossover hits "Engine Number Nine," and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You."
After crossover hits "Don't Knock My Love - Part 1" and "Fire and Water" Pickett left Atlantic for RCA, with minimum success. Pickett later recorded for several record companies, including his own Wicked label, but failed to have anymore hits.
Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.In 1999 he performed with his friend Bruce Springsteen.In 2002 he performed in the movie Only The Strong Survive.Singing his classic hits like In the Midnight hour and Land Of 1000 Dances.In 2004 Pickett retired from performing do to Health problems.Pickett told his sister he was going to the field of God but he never recovered.
On January 19,2006 Pickett died of a heart attack at his home. At his funeral long time friend Richard Pennimen (Little Richard) did a eulogy for Mr Pickett with his brothers at his funeral.
Pickett's Personal life was troubled. In 1993 he struck a pedestrian Pepe Ruiz. Later that year Ruiz died. Soul Singer Don Covay called him "Young and Wild". Pickett was arrested many times in his life.
It's Too Late
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
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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 lyrics of Wilson Pickett's "It's Too Late" describe a relationship that has reached its end. The singer has noticed a shift in the dynamics of the relationship and acknowledges that one or both of them have changed or given up trying to make things work. The song is composed of three stanzas, each revealing a different aspect of the relationship's downfall. The first stanza suggests that the couple is no longer in sync, as one of them is waking up late while the other one is up and trying to start their day. The second stanza describes how things used to be easier and more enjoyable, with the singer understanding how to make their partner happy. However, now they see their partner unhappy, and they feel foolish for not being able to make things right. The final stanza acknowledges that it's over and that there is no point in trying to make it work because something inside them has died, and they can no longer pretend or fake it.
Line by Line Meaning
Stayed in bed all mornin' just to pass the time.
I spent my morning in bed, not because I was feeling lazy, but because I am trying to avoid confronting the problem that I sense brewing.
There's somethin' wrong here, there can be no denyin'.
There is an issue in our relationship that cannot be ignored any longer.
One of us is changin', or maybe we've just stopped tryin'.
Either one of us has changed, or we have both given up making an effort to keep our relationship alive.
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.
Despite our considerable efforts to make things work, our relationship is over; I cannot deny that something inside me has died, and I cannot pretend otherwise any longer.
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 life together used to be effortless and enjoyable, but now you seem unhappy, and I feel like a failure for not being able to fix it.
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.
Although our relationship has come to an end, I am hopeful that we will find happiness again in the future. However, I know that staying together is not the answer, and I am grateful for the love that we once shared.
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.
Our relationship has reached its end, despite our efforts to save it; I cannot hide the fact that something inside me has died, and I cannot pretend any longer.
It's too late baby, it's too late now darling
It's too late.
Our relationship is over, and there is nothing we can do to fix it now.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID JOHANSEN, JOHNNY THUNDERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Jones
This song sends chills straight to the bones.
Steve
Agreed. Mr Pickett was an unknown at this point ('63) so I assumed it was a new group singing. A total American classic.
Tony Russi
Pickett is one of the GREATEST singers EVER!!
Steve
No argument here!
Jacqueline Eichelberger
What great memories
An icon, soulful, makes my heart hurt. The sound of this incredible voice goes to the depth of my soul
Goodness!!!!
Geraldine DeHerrera
No one has or has ever had the soul that this man had and shared with us. He was the greatest!! 💕
Ruby White
This is truly awesomely the soul of the 60's. I love that era, where there was all meaningful and soulful love songs, and men really loved women.
Brian Tisdale
The power in his voice is undeniable.
Kathy Davis
One of his greatest songs of all time!
Steve
It still sounds great. When it came out it was in a class all to itself.