Elton John and Brandi Carlile are back with a powerhouse collaboration, and this time, it’s deeply personal. Today, the dynamic duo unveiled their new original song, *“Never Too Late (From the Film *Elton John: Never Too Late)”—a poignant anthem born from their enduring friendship and mutual admiration. The track serves as the emotional capstone to the forthcoming Disney+ documentary of the same name, landing on the streaming platform December 13, 2024.
The documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, is already making waves on the film festival circuit, earning rave reviews at Toronto, New York, and London. Helmed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, the film is an intimate, no-holds-barred exploration of Elton’s extraordinary life and career. With a limited theatrical release starting today, the doc will soon be streaming globally, offering fans an up-close look at the highs, lows, and everything in between from Elton’s 50-year reign as one of music’s greatest icons.
A Song That Says It All
“Never Too Late” isn’t just the documentary’s closing credits song—it’s its beating heart. Co-written by Elton and the 11-time GRAMMY-winning Brandi Carlile, the track emerged during the summer of 2023, just as Elton adjusted to life offstage following his historic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Over a dinner conversation that began with casual chatter about family and future projects, Elton and Carlile found themselves diving into deeper creative waters.
That night, Furnish shared an unfinished cut of the documentary with Brandi. Moved to her core by the raw emotion on-screen, Brandi began sketching out lyrics inspired by Elton’s journey. Taking a page from Bernie Taupin’s playbook, she crafted words that felt deeply personal, yet universal. “Seeing Elton’s life unfold in such an honest way hit me hard,” Carlile shares. “The documentary doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments. It’s about love, family, and finding peace—sometimes when you least expect it. That’s what inspired the song: the idea that it’s never too late to change, to love, to start over.”
When the filmmakers heard the finished track, they knew they had something special. So special, in fact, that they named the documentary after it.
Elton and Brandi: A Match Made in Musical Heaven
For Elton, co-writing with Carlile was a revelation. “Brandi blew me away,” he says. “Her lyrics, her musicianship—it’s all extraordinary. She has this uncanny ability to channel my voice and my story, something only Bernie’s ever done before. Writing this song with her felt like a full-circle moment.”
Carlile’s collaborator, Andrew Watt, also brought his A-game to the production. A multi-GRAMMY-winning producer, Watt is no stranger to Elton’s world—having worked on The Lockdown Sessions and the Britney Spears duet “Hold Me Closer.” His deft touch adds a rich, cinematic texture to “Never Too Late,” making it as timeless as the legend who inspired it.
The Story Comes Full Circle
At its core, Elton John: Never Too Late is about finding joy and redemption in the places you least expect. The documentary chronicles Elton’s meteoric rise, his struggles, and ultimately, his decision to step away from the spotlight to prioritize family. It’s a deeply moving, triumphant tale, and Carlile’s lyrics capture its essence perfectly.
“There’s a sentiment in this story that’s so important,” Carlile says. “Elton didn’t just find peace—he earned it. And it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.”
With “Never Too Late” as its anthem, the documentary promises to be more than a look back; it’s a celebration of what’s ahead.
Mark your calendars: Elton John: Never Too Late hits Disney+ on December 13. Meanwhile, stream “Never Too Late” today and let the magic begin.
