Historic Sheet Music Collection
Document Type
Score
Publication Date
1918
Lyrics
VERSE 1
I watched a sweet rose droop and die,
For want of rain and wondered why,
The raindrops, when at last, they came,
Could not restore its bloom again,
You’re like the rose, I’m like the rain,
You wanted me and called in vain,
Perhaps you wonder why I’m here,
I’ve come to say I’m sorry dear,
CHORUS
It’s never too late to be sorry
I’m sorry I taught you to care
I wish I could lift from your shoulders
The cross I have made you bear can’t mend a heart I have broken
There isn’t a thing I can do
But it’s never too late to be sorry and God knows I’m sorry for you
It’s you
VERSE 2
I know on God’s unerring slate
The charge against me must be great
And ev’ry sinful move I’ve made
Is entered as a debt unpaid
But in the Book we all know of
I‘ve found these tender words of love
“When tears of sweet contrition flow
Then scarlet sins are made as snow.”
CHORUS
Recommended Citation
Burke, Joe and Dempsey, James E., "It's Never Too Late to Be Sorry" (1918). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 1655.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/1655
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Comments
Words by James E. Dempsey
Music by Jos. A. Burke
A.J. Stasny Music Co. New York and Cleveland
Portrait of Marguerite Snow on cover.
Courtesy of Motion Picture Magazine
Copyright MCMXVIII by A.J. Stasny Music Co. 56 West 45th St. New York
“Some of these resources may contain offensive stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of the attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the library or the institution.”