Lefty Frizzell – Always Late (With Your Kisses)

Lefty Frizzell - Always Late 1951

About the song

Lefty Frizzell and His Honky-Tonk Ballad “Always Late (With Your Kisses)”

“Always Late (With Your Kisses)” is a classic honky-tonk ballad written and recorded by American country music singer Lefty Frizzell. The song was released in 1951 as the B-side to his single “I Want to Be with You.” Although it was not a major hit at the time, “Always Late (With Your Kisses)” has since become one of Frizzell’s most popular songs.

The song is a simple, yet effective, tale of love and longing. The narrator sings about a woman who is always late for their dates. He is initially frustrated by her tardiness, but eventually comes to realize that it is just one of the things he loves about her. The song’s catchy melody and Frizzell’s warm, expressive vocals make it a timeless classic of country music.

Lefty Frizzell

Lefty Frizzell was one of the most influential country music singers of the 1950s. He was known for his smooth, expressive voice and his honky-tonk style of music. Frizzell’s songs often told stories about everyday people and their struggles. He was also a pioneer in the use of steel guitar in country music.

Frizzell was born in Corsicana, Texas, in 1928. He began playing guitar at a young age and started performing in local honky-tonks when he was a teenager. In 1950, he signed with Columbia Records and released his first single, “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time.” The song was a hit and helped to launch Frizzell’s career.

Frizzell went on to release a string of hit singles in the 1950s, including “I Love You a Thousand Ways,” “Long Black Veil,” and “Saginaw, Michigan.” He also released several successful albums, including “Listen to Lefty” (1951) and “Lefty Frizzell Sings Jimmie Rodgers” (1959).

Frizzell’s career was cut short when he died in a car accident in 1975. He was only 47 years old. However, his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1982.

“Always Late (With Your Kisses)”

“Always Late (With Your Kisses)” is a perfect example of Frizzell’s honky-tonk style. The song is simple, yet effective, with a catchy melody and Frizzell’s warm, expressive vocals. The lyrics tell a relatable story about love and longing, and the song’s timeless appeal has made it a classic of country music.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Willie Nelson. However, Frizzell’s version remains the definitive recording. It is a classic example of his honky-tonk style and his ability to tell stories through song.

Video

Lyrics

“Always Late (With Your Kisses)”

 

Always late (Always late) with your kisses (Always late)
Won’t you come to my arms sweet darling and stayAlways late (Always late) with your kisses (Always late)
Why oh why do you want to do me this way

How long do you think I can wait
When you know you’re always late

Always late (Always late) with your kisses (Always late)
Why oh why do you want to do me this way

(You’re always late, with your kisses)
(You’re always late, with your kisses)

How long do you think I can wait
When you know you’re always late

Always late (Always late) with your kisses (Always late)
Why why why do you want to do me this way

(Always late)
(Always late)
(Always late)
(Always late)
(Always late)