Introduction
“A Little Too Late” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. Released on April 4, 2006, as the second single from his album “White Trash with Money,” the track was penned by Keith alongside frequent collaborator Scotty Emerick and esteemed songwriter Dean Dillon.
Musically, the song is a moderate up-tempo, primarily driven by electric guitars. The lyrics depict a man addressing a former lover, asserting that their relationship is irreparably over.
The accompanying music video, directed by Michael Salomon, premiered on CMT and Great American Country on May 11, 2006. In a darkly comedic narrative, Keith is seen entering a basement with a shovel, playing a vinyl record of the song, and confronting his ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Krista Allen, who is tied to a chair. He begins constructing a brick wall with the apparent intent of sealing her inside. However, in a twist, Keith inadvertently traps himself behind the wall, allowing his ex-girlfriend to escape. Notably, Keith dons a baseball cap instead of his signature cowboy hat in this video.
Upon its release, “A Little Too Late” debuted at number 45 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of April 29, 2006. The song quickly gained traction, climbing to number 30 the following week due to significant radio airplay. It eventually peaked at number 2 in early August, maintaining that position for two consecutive weeks after a four-week stint at number 4.
This track exemplifies Keith’s ability to blend storytelling with engaging melodies, solidifying his presence in the country music scene during the mid-2000s.