Anberlin & Matty Mullins – “A Day Late”: Breathe New Life into a Classic

The reimagining of “A Day Late” sees Anberlin joining forces with Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, breathing new life into one of their most beloved tracks. While the original carried the emotional weight of youthful regret, this version refines its sonic elements, offering a matured and evolved take on the classic.

Lyrics Analysis: A Familiar Pain Revisited

The lyrics remain unchanged, continuing to tell a tale of missed chances and longing. However, the re-recording’s delivery enhances the sense of finality in the song’s message. Where the original felt like a desperate plea, this version carries a weightier resignation, as if reflecting on past mistakes from a more seasoned perspective.

Musical Composition: A Refined Yet Powerful Update

While the essence of “A Day Late” remains intact, the re-recording introduces subtle yet impactful changes that elevate the song with a modern sheen.

The production is noticeably crisper, with a fuller mix that enhances the overall depth of the track. Low-end frequencies are more pronounced, giving the song a richer, more immersive feel. The drums land with greater precision and power, adding a punchier drive to the verses and making the choruses feel even more anthemic.

The guitar work also receives a fresh treatment, with intricate layering that subtly alters the texture of the song. The tones are slightly refined, offering a deeper resonance that adds warmth without overshadowing the original melody.

Perhaps the most striking addition is Matty Mullins’ vocal presence—his signature intensity infuses the track with a renewed urgency, contrasting against Stephen Christian’s smoother, melancholic approach. This dynamic interplay breathes fresh life into an already timeless song.

Key Musical Elements

• Refined Production: A cleaner, more balanced mix that enhances clarity and depth.
• Stronger Rhythm Section: Punchier drum patterns that give the track a heightened anthemic feel.
• Layered Guitar Textures: Enhanced depth and resonance through subtle tone variations.
• Matty Mullins’ Vocal Contrast: His expressive intensity brings a new emotional edge.

Fan Reactions: A Divisive Yet Appreciated Update

The response to “A Day Late” has been mixed but largely positive. Some longtime fans struggle with the idea of an Anberlin song without Stephen Christian’s vocals, while others appreciate the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve. On social media, reactions range from:

“This sounds fresh and powerful”, to

“It feels like a cover rather than a re-recording”

—a testament to how deeply embedded the original version is in listeners’ memories.

For newer audiences or those already familiar with Memphis May Fire, Mullins’ inclusion is a welcome addition, bringing crossover appeal to both fanbases. His vocals blend seamlessly with Anberlin’s sonic identity, ensuring the song retains its emotional weight.

Conclusion: A Timeless Track, Reborn

Rather than simply replicating the original, this re-recording of “A Day Late” offers an evolved take, making it resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation.

By fine-tuning its sonic landscape while preserving the song’s core emotional weight, Anberlin and Matty Mullins have successfully honored the past while pushing the song forward into the present.

For those who wants to hear the song firsthand, the song is available on Youtube.

Discover curated alternative rock tracks on whisp.fm.

Anberlin – “A Day Late” Lyrics

[Verse]
So let me get this straight
Say now you loved me all along?
What made you hesitate
To tell me with words what you really feel?
I can see it in your eyes
You mean all of what you say
I remember so long ago
See, I felt the same way
Now we both have separate lives and lovers
(And lovers)
Insignificantly enough we both have significant others

[Pre-Chorus]
Only time will tell
Time will turn and tell

[Chorus]
We are who we were when
Could’ve been lovers but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when
Who knew what we know now
Could’ve been more but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when

[Verse]
But thoughts they change and times they rearrange
I don’t know who you are anymore
Loves come and go and this I know
I’m not who you recall anymore
But I must confess you’re so much more than I remember
Can’t help but entertain these thoughts
Thoughts of us together

[Chorus]
We are who we were when
Could’ve been lovers but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when
Who knew what we know now
Could’ve been more but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when

[Post-Chorus]
(Whoa)
My day late friend

[Bridge]
So let me get this straight
All these years and you were no where to be found
And now you want me for your own
But you’re a day late and my love she’s still renowned

[Chorus]
We are who we were when
Could’ve been lovers but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when
Who knew what we know now
Could’ve been more but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when
We are who we were when
Could’ve been lovers but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when
Who knew what we know now
Could’ve been more but at least you’re still my day late friend
We are who
We are who we were when