Too Late

Black Sabbath's 'Too Late' delves into themes of regret, the consequences of one's actions, and the inescapable grip of darkness. The song opens with a sense of finality, suggesting that the time for redemption has passed. The lyrics 'Soon it's never more / When you've got to pay for / Promises - made in the night' hint at broken promises and the inevitable reckoning that follows. The mention of a 'magic one' and being 'forever chained to the flame' evokes imagery of dark forces and eternal damnation, setting a somber and ominous tone.

The recurring refrain 'It's too late' serves as a haunting reminder of missed opportunities and irreversible decisions. The line 'Do you feel a touch of evil / (then) It's too late' suggests that once one has dabbled in darkness, there is no turning back. The song's protagonist seems to be grappling with the realization that their actions have led them down a path of no return. The lyrics 'To wish and make it so / To feel the power growing / Stronger - blessed by the dark' further emphasize the allure and eventual curse of seeking power through nefarious means.

As the song progresses, the sense of despair deepens. The lines 'Misery / It's come to drag me away / And when the hunter cries / No alibis / Get ready for judgement day' paint a vivid picture of impending doom and the absence of any escape. The repeated notion that 'It's too late' underscores the finality of the protagonist's fate. The song concludes with a chilling welcome to 'forever,' reinforcing the idea that the consequences of one's actions are eternal. Black Sabbath masterfully combines dark, poetic lyrics with their signature heavy metal sound to create a powerful narrative about the perils of succumbing to darkness and the irrevocable nature of certain choices.