Don Williams – Tulsa Time: A Song of Love and Longing
In the realm of country music, Don Williams stands as a true icon, his gentle voice and heartfelt lyrics weaving tales of love, loss, and the simple joys of life. Among his vast repertoire, “Tulsa Time” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the universal themes of longing, regret, and the enduring power of home.
Background
Released in 1978, “Tulsa Time” reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became a signature song for Williams. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, evoking memories of home and the bittersweet ache of missed opportunities.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Danny Flowers, paint a vivid picture of a man reminiscing about his lost love and his longing for simpler times. The opening lines, “I met her in a honky-tonk in Tulsa, Oklahoma / With a neon sign that said ‘Tulsa Time’,” immediately transport listeners to the song’s setting and establish the melancholic tone.
Williams’ vocals are the heart and soul of the song, his smooth baritone conveying the protagonist’s emotions with a raw honesty that resonates with listeners. He effortlessly captures the man’s regret for lost love and his yearning for a return to the past.
The chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain, “But Tulsa time ain’t no place to start a brand new life / It’s just a state of mind,” encapsulates the song’s central theme of the inescapable pull of home and the memories that linger within.
“Tulsa Time” has become a country music staple, covered by numerous artists and earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Williams’ heartfelt rendition remains the definitive version, a testament to his songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Danny Flowers.
- It was released in 1978 as the lead single from Williams’ album Expressions.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- “Tulsa Time” has been covered by numerous artists, including Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson.