Don Williams – Tulsa Time
“Tulsa Time” by Don Williams is one of those timeless country tunes that immediately transports you to the heart of rural America with its laid-back, easygoing rhythm and relatable storytelling. Released in 1978 as part of his album Expressions, the song quickly became a fan favorite, climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 1979. It’s a track that perfectly encapsulates the unhurried, gentle spirit that made Don Williams one of the most beloved voices in country music.
Written by Danny Flowers, “Tulsa Time” tells the story of a man who moves to the big city to chase his dreams, only to find that life there isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Feeling out of place and disillusioned with the fast-paced lifestyle, he decides to return home to Tulsa, where life is slower, simpler, and, most importantly, where he feels like himself again. The narrative of the song is one that many can relate to—the universal desire to return to a place of comfort when the world feels overwhelming.
Williams’ signature baritone voice, warm and smooth, carries the song with a sense of calm reassurance. His vocal delivery is relaxed, almost conversational, which adds to the feeling that he’s telling you a personal story rather than simply singing a song. This style of singing was one of the reasons Williams earned the nickname “The Gentle Giant”—he had the ability to convey deep emotion without ever raising his voice or straying from his understated, mellow approach.
Musically, “Tulsa Time” blends traditional country instrumentation with a bit of a honky-tonk flair. The song is driven by a steady beat, a twangy electric guitar, and pedal steel, which together create a sound that is both nostalgic and unmistakably country. The guitar work, in particular, is notable for its clean, rhythmic style that gives the song a toe-tapping energy. It’s this combination of simplicity and catchiness that makes the song so memorable; it’s easy to sing along to, and its melody sticks with you long after the song has ended.
Lyrically, “Tulsa Time” touches on themes of self-realization, contentment, and the rejection of societal pressures. The protagonist’s decision to leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life in favor of a slower pace in Tulsa reflects a broader message about staying true to oneself. There’s a sense of freedom in the lyrics, as the character comes to the realization that happiness doesn’t come from material success or fitting into a fast-moving world, but from living life on his own terms. Lines like “Living on Tulsa time / Living on Tulsa time / Well, you know I’ve been through it / When I set my watch back to it” capture the essence of this laid-back mindset—he’s not just going back to Tulsa, he’s going back to a way of life that feels more genuine.
Despite its easygoing nature, “Tulsa Time” has a subtly rebellious undertone. It’s about rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations of success and finding peace in simplicity. The song’s appeal lies in this balance between its carefree vibe and its deeper message about personal fulfillment.
The song also holds a special place in Don Williams’ discography, as it became one of his defining hits. Throughout his career, Williams was known for his ability to tell simple yet profound stories through his music, and “Tulsa Time” is a perfect example of that. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place in the fast-paced modern world and longed for a return to something more familiar and comforting.
“Tulsa Time” went on to become a classic, covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, who brought his own rock-infused take on the track. But no version quite captures the laid-back charm and sincerity of Don Williams’ original recording. His gentle delivery, paired with the song’s message of slowing down and embracing a simpler life, makes it a quintessential piece of country music history.
For fans of country music, “Tulsa Time” is a reminder of the genre’s ability to tell stories that resonate on a personal level while also celebrating the simple joys of life. It’s a song that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy life at your own pace—on “Tulsa time.”