"From 4 'Till Late" is a song by the Peter Green Splinter Group, a band formed by former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. The lyrics depict the narrator's emotional state and experiences during a particular period of time. The phrase "From four until late" symbolizes a prolonged period of distress or sorrow, with the narrator expressing their feelings of anguish by wringing their hands and crying. The song also mentions the narrator's belief that someone's father is heading to Gulfport, a city in Mississippi. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone leaving or escaping from a troublesome or unsatisfying situation. The mention of the journey from Memphis to Norfolk being a thirty-six-hour ride emphasizes that the struggles and dissatisfaction in life can be persistent and difficult to escape. The lyrics further compare women to dressers, implying that they attract various men who often cause trouble or turmoil. The reference to men wearing an apron overall suggests that they may try to control or dominate women, causing the women to seek companionship elsewhere. The narrator expresses frustration with a woman who associates herself with a group of disreputable individuals, tarnishing the reputation of good men. This highlights the theme of betrayal and the consequences of being involved with the wrong crowd. Towards the end of the song, the narrator announces their intention to leave the town and bids farewell to the person they are addressing. The mention of the person having a long story to tell upon the narrator's return suggests that the narrator expects changes or events to occur during their absence. Overall, "From 4 'Till Late" portrays a sense of turmoil, dissatisfaction, betrayal, and the desire for change. It explores themes of personal struggles, relationships, and the consequences of one's actions.
