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 that resonate with listeners across generations. Released in 1978, this ballad has become an enduring symbol of love, loss, and the lingering ache of unfulfilled dreams.
Don Williams, the “Gentle Giant” of country music, imbues “Tulsa Time” with his signature velvety baritone, weaving a tale of a man haunted by the memory of a lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a small-town boy leaving his rural roots behind to pursue his dreams in the bustling city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Amidst the neon lights and urban clamor, he finds success, but it comes at a heavy price – the love he left behind.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of longing, the bittersweet nostalgia for a love that could have been. The protagonist’s yearning for his lost love permeates every line, his heart heavy with the weight of unsaid words and unspoken feelings. The refrain, “And I’ll be loving you, Tulsa Time,” echoes with a poignant mix of regret and resignation, a testament to the enduring power of love that transcends time and distance.
“Tulsa Time” is not merely a song about lost love; it is an exploration of the human condition, a reflection on the choices we make and the paths we take. The protagonist’s journey from small-town innocence to urban success mirrors the universal pursuit of dreams and ambitions, but it also highlights the sacrifices we often make along the way.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and longing, emotions that resonate with people from all walks of life. “Tulsa Time” is a country music classic that has stood the test of time, a poignant ballad that continues to touch hearts and stir emotions with its timeless message of love and longing.
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Lyric
I left Oklahoma, drivin’ in a PontiacJust about to lose my mindI was goin’ to ArizonaMaybe on to CaliforniaWhere the people all live so fineMy baby said I was crazyMy mama called me lazyI was gonna show ’em all this time‘Cause you know I ain’t no foolin’And I don’t need no more schoolin’I was born to just walk the lineLivin’ on Tulsa timeLivin’ on Tulsa timeWell, you know I’ve been through itWhen I set my watch back to itLivin’ on Tulsa timeWell, there I was in HollywoodWishin’ I was doin’ goodTalkin’ on the telephone lineBut they don’t need me in the moviesAnd nobody sings my songsGuess I’m just a wastin’ timeWell, then I got to thinkin’Man, I’m really sinkin’And I really had a flash this timeI had no business leavin’And nobody would be grievin’If I went on back to Tulsa timeLivin’ on Tulsa timeLivin’ on Tulsa timeGonna set my watch back to it‘Cause you know I’ve been through itLivin’ on Tulsa timeLivin’ on Tulsa timeLivin’ on Tulsa timeGonna set my watch back to it‘Cause you know I’ve been throughLivin’ on Tulsa time
