Elton John has a new song called “It’s Never Too Late,” a collaborative tune co-written and recorded with his friend Brandi Carlisle that serves as the theme song for his new documentary of the same name.
“It’s Never Too Late” is now available as a digital single, and a music video for the track debuted on John’s official YouTube channel. The clip contains unseen excerpts from the video Elton John: It’s Never Too Late documentary, as well as archival footage. It also includes footage of John and Carlisle working on the song in the studio.
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The piano-driven song begins with John and Carlisle alternating lead vocals and harmonies. The song’s poetic lyrics seem to reference Elton’s eventful and dramatic life and career, as well as his resilience and continued passion for music.
“Never Too Late” was produced by Andrew Watt, who also helped write the melody.
Elton posts a message about “Never Too Late”
Elton has a message on his social media about the new song, where he has high praise for Carlisle as a songwriter and music artist.
He wrote: “When Brandy told me that she was so inspired by the early cut of the documentary that she wanted us to co-write a new song for it, I was thrilled,” he wrote. “We loved the collaboration so much that it became the title of the movie.”
John continued: “I’ve known for a long time how amazing she was but still, reading her words and co-writing music with her was very moving. Especially considering how personal she was [the film] To see, to see my life on screen, it perfectly captured the essence of the documentary and why I stopped touring to spend more time with my family.
Elton added of Carlisle’s musical talents: “I’m always amazed at her skill, she can channel my voice in a way that just [my lyricist] Bernie [Taupin] I’ve managed to do it before. I know Bernie has helped guide Brandy on this. The level of her music and her songwriting and her passion for what she does is thrilling. She’s truly one of the greatest out there.
Brandi Carlisle also shared a message about collaboration
Brandi Carlisle also posted a message about “It’s Never Too Late” and the documentary on her social media pages.
“It was such an honor to write this song with my dear friend [Elton John] for his new documentary “It’s Never Too Late,” the note begins. “I think everyone knows how I feel about this man. I couldn’t have played a piano chord or written a word if it weren’t for my heroes Elton John and [Bernie Taupin]”.
Carlyle then commented on the new movie.
She wrote: “This film documents Elton’s unparalleled brilliance, courage and resilience.” “It not only cements Elton’s role as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, but offers insight into what a wonderful husband and father he was, and the peace and serenity he found later in life.”
Brandy concluded: “Congratulations to [David Furnish, John’s husband,] for directing such a touching portrait of Elton’s life.
More about the documentary
Elton John: It’s never too late It will have its television premiere on December 13 on Disney+. The documentary, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, will have a limited release in US and UK theaters starting November 15.
The film follows John as he prepares to play the final North American concert of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. The screening took place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on November 20, 2022.
Described as an “emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-length journey,” the film also shows Elton looking back on his long and highly successful life and career. The film depicts John reflecting on the various highs and lows of his career, including his battle with substance abuse and addiction and the happy chapter he experienced later in life as a husband and father of two.
In addition to in-depth interviews with John. It’s never too late It also contains never-before-seen archival footage and photos.
John’s previous collaborations with Carlisle
John and Carlisle previously collaborated on a song titled “Simple Things” from Elton’s 2021 album Prohibition Sessions.
Brandy also performed “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” with Elton at his November 2022 concert at Dodger Stadium. In addition, the two also participated in Joni Mitchell’s “Joni Jam” show at the Hollywood Bowl on October 20, 2024.
Meanwhile, The Who’s Pete Townshend commented in a December 2023 interview with Clash Music that John and Carlisle were recording a full-length album together. However, no official word has been announced about this project.