Too Late

No Doubt's song 'Too Late' delves into the complexities and darker aspects of obsessive love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where one partner desires to possess and control the other, likening them to a precious object that can be hidden away and brought out for personal pleasure. This metaphor of stashing someone under a pillow and wearing them like a diamond highlights the possessive nature of the love described, where the partner is seen more as an accessory than an equal.

The chorus, with lines like 'It's too late now, I don't think it can fade,' suggests a sense of inevitability and permanence in these feelings. The love has become too real and consuming, with fulfillment only adding 'fuel to the blaze.' This imagery of fire and burning indicates that the intensity of the emotions is both destructive and inescapable. The song captures the paradox of wanting to hold onto something beautiful and delicate, like a butterfly, while knowing that such confinement will ultimately lead to its demise.

In the latter part of the song, there's an acknowledgment that the relationship is doomed to end, yet the narrator still gives in to the compulsion. This acceptance of the inevitable end, coupled with the continued pursuit of the fleeting moments of beauty, underscores the tragic nature of obsessive love. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the consuming nature of such emotions, making 'Too Late' a powerful exploration of the fine line between love and obsession.