[Instrumental Intro] [Slow ballad tempo: tremolo guitar holds a lonely note, upright bass moves soft and steady, brushed drums barely there, piano plays low, open chords.] [Verse 1] You stood there in the doorway Coat hangin’ on your arm I said nothing, watched you wait While the room went calm You looked back like you might stay If I said your name But I let the silence talk And nothin’ was the same [Pre-Chorus] Your hand was on the handle Mine stayed at my side I knew what I was losin’ But I let it slide [Chorus] One kiss too late, that’s all it took I waited when I should’ve looked Now you’re gone and I’m awake Yeah, one kiss too late [Instrumental] [Guitar answers the vocal line with a short, aching phrase; piano drifts downward; bass holds long notes; soft cymbal swell.] [Verse 2] The clock kept on movin’ Like it didn’t care I thought you’d still be there tomorrow Like you always were You leaned in just a little Like you’d give me time But I stood there thinkin’ Love was always mine [Pre-Chorus] Your shadow crossed the doorway The night took your place I felt the room go empty When I lost your face [Chorus] One kiss too late, one word I missed I should’ve known better than this Now your memory won’t wait Yeah, one kiss too late [Instrumental] [Band drops softer: brushes and bass only for two bars, then guitar slips back in with a gentle fill.] [Bridge] If I’d known that was goodbye I’d have held you tight Not let my pride stand talkin’ While you walked into the night [Final Chorus] One kiss too late, now I see You were standin’ right in front of me Now the dark won’t hesitate Yeah, one kiss too late [Outro] I felt it when you turned away [Outro Instrumental] [Simple tag ending: guitar repeats the opening note once more, piano holds a final chord, bass resolves, brushes fade.]
