Too Late for Goodbyes

"Too Late for Goodbyes" is the first single (second in the US) from Julian Lennon's debut studio album Valotte (1984). It featured the harmonica of Jean "Toots" Thielemans, and it was a top-10 hit, reaching No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart in November 1984, and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in late March 1985. B-side "Big Mama" has been described by Lennon as "semi-hard rock".

Cash Box said that "a galloping reggae backbeat and some exquisite Muscle Shoals guitar work back up Lennon’s spare lyric phrasing and lend the song a strong ride."

"Too Late for Goodbyes" peaked at #1 on 16 March 1985 at the US Adult Contemporary chart, spending two weeks at the top of this chart. The music video for the song was directed by Sam Peckinpah, and produced by Martin Lewis. To date, it is the most successful song of Lennon's career.

Track listing
UK 7" single (Charisma JL1)
 * 1) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30
 * 2) "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35

US 7" single (Atlantic 7-89589)
 * 1) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30
 * 2) "Let Me Be" – 2:12

UK 12" single (Charisma JL112)
 * 1) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30
 * 2) "Big Mama" – 3:16
 * 3) "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35

US 12" single (Atlantic 0-86899)
 * 1) "Too Late for Goodbyes (Extended Special Mix)" – 5:55
 * 2) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30
 * 3) "Let Me Be" – 2:12

Musicians

 * Julian Lennon – lead vocals and backing vocals, synthesizers, electronic drums and drum machine
 * Barry Beckett – synthesizer
 * Justin Clayton – rhythm guitar
 * Martin Briley – rhythm guitar
 * Marcus Miller – bass
 * Toots Thielemans – harmonica

In popular culture

 * The song is featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto V on the in-game radio station, Los Santos Rock Radio.