I Waited Too Long

LaVern Baker · Soul On Fire-The Best Of [1991]

I waited too long

And now we're apart

I never told you

What I feel in my heart

Somebody new

Has come along

I was a fool

For waiting too long

My life without you

Won't be the same

I should have never

Played that waiting game

I'm so alone

Now that you're gone

I was a fool

For waiting too long

I wasn't smart

I wasn't wise

And now I'm by myself

With tears in my eyes

I made my life

A life of regret

I should have never

Played hard to get

And now I know

I was so wrong

I was a fool

For waiting too long

I was a fool

For waiting too long

Too long

I Waited Too Long

LaVern Baker's 'I Waited Too Long' stands as a poignant example of her mastery within the R&B and soul traditions. Recorded during her prolific era, the track showcases her distinctive vocal style, characterized by a blend of gospel-inflected power and smooth, emotive delivery. As a staple of her discography, including the compilation 'Soul On Fire-The Best Of [1991]', the song reflects the deep emotional resonance that defined her work throughout the 1950s and beyond. Baker's ability to convey longing and heartache without relying on explicit narrative storytelling set her apart, influencing generations of singers who sought to capture the raw feeling of anticipation and disappointment. This recording remains a testament to her status as a pivotal figure in the history of American soul music.