“Born Too Late”

Presented by Mrs. Moore

Selection

I chose this song because it has been my favorite since I was a senior in high school.

I originally loved this song because of the “embrace your time” lyrics and, of course, the allusions.

I still love this song because it makes me pause and reflect about how much has changed since I graduated.

Hyperlinked Screen Shot from Google Slides

Paraphrase

1. I am not as artist as Vincent (Van Gogh), religious as (Mother)Theresa, and musical as John (Lennon); I was born too late…and I missed everything.

2. I am not as talented as William (Shakespeare), strong as Cassius (Clay), or smart as Thomas (Edison); I was born tonight….and I will try to find myself.

Paraphrase

Chorus 1: I can’t leave this town but find myself going in circles staying here.

Chorus 2: I have a hard timing leaving, but I am getting older and realize I get what I give.

Paraphrase

3. I am not as musical as Jimi (Hendrix), famous as Elvis (Presley), or funny as Jerry (Lee Lewis or Seinfeld); but I was born to sing…I have found my passion.

4. I am not as passionate as MLK, devout as Jesus or Budda, or courageous as Christopher (Columbus); but I am born today…I am living my life.

Genre

The Clarks are a rock band originating in Indiana,

Pennsylvania.

Structure

There are a total of four verses with two repetitions of the chorus. The final line of each stanza progressively defines life beginning with “I was born too late” and ending with “I was born today.”

Speaker & Audience

The song alternates tense but is always in the first person. The song shifts between past and present because of the change in action: reflecting vs. living.

Auditory Elements

The four lines of each verse rhyme, but the end rhyme itself changes between each stanza. Each stanza represents a different stage of embracing life and is defined by the changing end rhymes.

Figurative Language

The song is filled with allusions to famous or significant people from all places, for all reasons, and from all times ranging from Vincent Van Gogh to Muhammad Ali. For example, “Vincent, will you teach me how to paint?... And Cassius, will you show me how to fight?” (1, 6).

Verses 3-4

Jimi show me how you play that thingElvis, will I ever be a king?And Jerry all the joy and love you bringI was born to sing

Martin Luther King show me the wayJesus, Buddha, teach me how to prayChristopher, I think I see the bayI was born today, I was born today

Word Choice

Born: the existence of an individual human being or animal.

In this song, the word born not only implies life but the embracing of life.

Title

The title “Born Too Late” echoes the singer’s original thoughts that he is not connected to his current life.

Theme

In many ways this is a carpe diem poem that encourages living in the present even though it may seem like the most important things are in the past.

Motivation

The motivation for this song could be a reflection after a major life change. Perhaps the singer is working through his decision to dedicate his life to music because of the line “I was born to sing” but still holds some regret for the life given up.

Works Cited

The Clarks, “Born Too Late” Let It Go. Razor &Tie, 2000.