Eric Hilliard "Ricky" Nelson, later known as Rick Nelson (May 8, 1940 –December 31, 1985), was an American singer, musician, and Golden Globe-nominated actor. With more than 50 Hot 100 hits, Nelson was second only to Elvis Presley as the most popular rock and roll artist of the 1950s and 1960s.
Biography
Early years Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, he was the younger son of Ozzie Nelson, the leader of a big band, and Harriet Hilliard Nelson, the band's singer.
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#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------# #This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the # #song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. # #------------------------------------------------------------------------------# #
It's Late [Dorsey Burnette] Recorded by Ricky Nelson on `Ricky Sings Again', Imperial LP 9061
Notes: Song is in G#. Capo at the fourth fret and play in E as notated.
Intro: Strum E chord w/lead guitar.
Verse I:
E It's Late [it's late] AE We gotta get on home E It's late [it's late] B7E We been gone too long E Too bad [too bad] AE We shoulda checked our time E Can't phone [can't phone] B7 We done spent every dime
Verse II:
It's late [it's late] We're `bout to run outta gas It's late [it's late] We gotta get home fast Can't speed [can't speed] We're in a slow down zone EB7E Baby, look at that clock why can't it be wrong
Chorus/bridge:
AE If we coulda left home by a quarter to nine B7E Woulda had fun and plenty of time AE We got started just a little bit late F#B7 Hope this won't be our last date
Verse III:
Look up [look up] Is that the moon we see? Can't be [can't be] Looks like the sun to me It's late [it's late] I hate to face your dad Too bad [too bad] I know he's gonna be mad
It's late [it's late] We gotta get on home It's late [it's late] We been gone too long
[Instrumental break over verse chords] [Repeat verse II]
If we coulda left home by a quarter to nine We woulda had fun and plenty of time We got started just a little bit late [doo-wop] Hope this won't be our last date
Repeat Verse III, stretch out last line w/lead guitar.
So simple, but Ricky's wide-eyed delivery and his crack band both sound great. Do not play the leads with anything but a Telecaster.