About the Song
In the realm of country music, there are songs that touch the heart with their simple melodies and poignant lyrics, and then there are songs like “Tulsa Time” by Don Williams, which transcend the genre to become timeless classics. Released in 1978, this ballad has become an enduring symbol of lost love, longing, and the bittersweet ache of memories.
Don Williams, the “Gentle Giant” of country music, imbues “Tulsa Time” with his signature velvety vocals, weaving a tale of a man haunted by the ghost of a love that still lingers in the Tulsa nights. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love story gone awry, with the protagonist reminiscing about the time he spent with his beloved in the vibrant city of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The song’s opening lines, “I left Oklahoma drivin’ in a Pontiac / Just about to lose my mind”, set the stage for a journey of emotional turmoil. The protagonist is fleeing his past, seeking solace in the vast expanse of the American West. However, the memories of his lost love continue to chase him, refusing to be outrun.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the protagonist’s heartache. He recalls the time he and his lover would spend “dancin’ in the Tulsa Town Pavilion”, their laughter echoing through the night. These cherished moments now serve as painful reminders of what he has lost.
The chorus, “And I’m lost in Tulsa Time / And I can’t seem to find my way”, serves as a poignant refrain, capturing the protagonist’s overwhelming sense of loss and disorientation. He is adrift in a sea of memories, unable to escape the past that haunts him.
“Tulsa Time” is not merely a song about heartbreak; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories. Williams’s gentle delivery and the song’s melancholic melody create a deeply moving listening experience that has resonated with audiences for decades.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. “Tulsa Time” has been covered by numerous artists, including Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, and Willie Nelson, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song. However, Williams’s version remains the definitive rendition, capturing the essence of the song’s heartache and longing.
“Tulsa Time” is a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of country music fans worldwide. It is a song that captures the complexities of love and loss, reminding us of the indelible mark that cherished memories can leave on our souls. With its simple yet profound lyrics and Williams’s heartfelt vocals, “Tulsa Time” is a song that will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics: Tulsa Time
I left Oklahoma, drivin’ in a Pontiac
Just about to lose my mind
I was goin’ to Arizona
Maybe on to California
Where the people all live so fine.My baby said, I’z crazy
My mama called me lazy
I was gonna show ’em all this time
‘Cause you know I ain’t no fool
And I don’t need no more schoolin’
I was born to just walk the line.Livin’ on Tulsa time
Livin’ on Tulsa time
Well, you’ll know I been through it
When I set my watch back to it
Livin’ on Tulsa Time.Well, there I was in Hollywood
Wishin’ I was doin’ good
Talkin’ on the telephone line
But they don’t need me in the movies
And nobody sings my songs
Guess, I’m just a wastin’ time.Well, then I got to thinkin’
Man I’m really sinkin’
An I really had a flash this time
I had no business leavin’
An nobody would be grievin’
If I just went on back to Tulsa time.Livin’ on Tulsa time
Livin’ on Tulsa time
Gonna set my watch back to it
‘Cause you know I been through it
Livin’ on Tulsa time.Livin’ on Tulsa time
Livin’ on Tulsa time
Gonna set my watch back to it
‘Cause you know I been through
Livin’ on Tulsa time.