

Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] Ten years old Fishing pole Granddad waiting by the truck I said "One more game" He smiled "Okay" By the time I ran out He'd given up Saw his taillights down that road Waved at dust instead of chrome [Chorus] Too late this time Clock kept moving I stayed behind Thought that life Would always let me change my mind Every "later" I threw away Got cashed in on some quiet day Now every echo in my life Says "Son You were too late this time" [Verse 2] Eighteen years Mama's tears I was packing for the state line She said "Sit a while Tell me 'bout All the dreams you're gonna go find" I checked my watch I checked my phone She watched me walking out alone [Chorus] Too late this time Clock kept moving I stayed behind Thought that life Would always let me change my mind Every "later" I threw away Got cashed in on some quiet day Now every echo in my life Says "Boy You were too late this time" [Bridge] I had a ring She had a dress Picked out names we never used I said "Work comes first Then the rest" That was the day I really lost you Now there's a porch light three doors down But it ain't mine And you ain't around (oh no) [Verse 3] Eighty years Shaking hands Nurse says "Your son's on his way" There's a clock On the wall Making sure I feel every change I taste all the times I made 'em wait Pray to God he won't be late [Chorus] Too late this time Clock keeps moving He’s behind All my life I thought I'd always get one more try Every "later" I threw away Comes back as a quiet ache If he walks in through that door I won't let him be too late this time [Outro] If you love 'em Go on Call Don't let pride hang on the line Every heartbeat Every breath Is just a chance to get there in time
Tags
folk, Warm modern country ballad, male vocals. Gentle acoustic and brushed snare in the verse, steel guitar swells. Chorus widens with rich harmonies, piano padding, and a steady backbeat. Subtle organ and fiddle lift the bridge, then strip back to voice and guitar for the final line., country
3:39
No
3/11/2026