"Too Late for Goodbyes" is the first single (second in the U.S.) from Julian Lennon's 1984 album Valotte. 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 U.S. 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. This song was dedicated to Julian's late father John Lennon, who was killed in 1980, though Julian Lennon has stated that the song was not about his relationship with his father, but was instead about a woman. Track listing UK 7" single (Charisma JL1) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35 US 7" single (Atlantic 7-89589) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Let Me Be" – 2:12 UK 12" single (Charisma JL112) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Big Mama" – 3:16 "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35 US 12" single (Atlantic 0-86899) "Too Late for Goodbyes (Extended Special Mix)" – 5:55 "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "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. Charts and certifications Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications See also List of number-one adult contemporary singles of 1985 (U.S.) References External links Julian Lennon songs 1984 debut singles 1985 singles Song recordings produced by Phil Ramone Songs written by Julian Lennon 1984 songs Chrysalis Records singles Atlantic Records singles Charisma Records singles