The Don Williams Tulsa Time song was released in October 1978...watch the live performance video and see the song details here.
The Don Williams Tulsa Time song was released in October 1978 as the first single from the album “Expressions”. This song became Williams’ eighth number one on the Billboard country chart starting January 6, 1979. The song spent a single week at number one and eleven weeks in the top 40.
Watch the live video, the audio video and see the written lyrics below.
Don Williams performs his classic “Tulsa Time” in 1983 – his second appearance on Austin City Limits. He first appeared on ACL during ACL’s fifth season in 1980.
Written by Danny Flowers during a moment of homesickness, “Tulsa Time” captures the laid-back charm and relatable storytelling that define Williams’ music.
The story of “Tulsa Time” began during a trip to Los Angeles when Danny Flowers, a guitarist in Don Williams’ band, found himself yearning for the simplicity and familiarity of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The city’s slower pace stood in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Inspired, Flowers penned the song with a sense of humor and a nod to his roots. Don Williams, known as the “Gentle Giant” for his smooth baritone and understated delivery, brought the song to life with his signature style.
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 foolin’
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 know I’ve 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’
And I really had a flash this time
I had no business leavin’
And nobody would be grievin’
If I 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
“Tulsa Time” has enjoyed a lasting legacy, with numerous artists covering the song over the years. Eric Clapton, for instance, included a rock-inspired version on his live album Just One Night in 1980, showcasing the song’s versatility. The enduring appeal of “Tulsa Time” lies in its universal theme of wanting to return to one’s roots and the simple joys of life.
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