Southern Soul Paradise: Z. Z. Hill

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Z. Z. Hill - "It's Too Late"

We were into southern soul even back in the 70s and didn't know it. This is one of the first songs of Z.Z. Hill that I knew and it's going to bring back some fond memories for my sisters. First, it starts with fabulous music - listen to those opening notes, they are awesome! The scene is a man at home with his lady, clearly enjoying himself. He asks her if she wants another drink - you can hear the ice tinkling in the glass - and he says that a little ice will make it cool, baby! (I love that line.) You don't know what the girl is doing but he says she better stop before she gets herself in a whole lot of trouble. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door and it's Ethel, the old girlfriend. She wants to talk and explain things....she's sorry, she didn't mean anything bad, and she still loves him. Well, the guy's just not having it - it's just too late.

There ain’t no use for you to cry
You might as well dry your eyes
You hurt me so, now I want you to know
It ain’t no use, it ain't no use
There was a time you were my pride and joy
Woman I loved you like a child loves his toy
You done me wrong, you want to come back home
It ain’t no use, it ain't no use
I wanted you, you wanted someone else
You went away and left me
Left me all by my, left me all by my, left me all by myself
Now it’s your time to cry for your mistakes
I want you to know it’s just too late
You done me wrong
You want to come back home
But it’s too late
You done me wrong
You want to come back home
But it’s too late...