Don Williams – Tulsa Time: The Anthem of the Easy-Going Traveler
If Marty Robbins is the poet of the desert, then Don Williams is the king of the steady road. “Tulsa Time,” released in 1978 on the album “Expressions,” isn’t just a song—it’s a lifestyle. Reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it became one of Don’s most iconic hits, later famously covered by Eric Clapton. It captures that universal moment when we realize that the “big city lights” aren’t nearly as bright as the simple comfort of home.
1. The Allure of the “Laid-Back” Groove
“Tulsa Time” is the gold standard for what fans call the “Don Williams beat.”
- The Master of Tempo: The song features a chugging, rhythmic guitar riff that feels exactly like a truck cruising at a perfect speed down a flat highway. It’s hypnotic, relaxed, and impossible not to tap your foot to.
- The “Gentle Giant” Cool: Don doesn’t break a sweat or shout to get your attention. His vocal delivery is effortless, proving that you don’t need to be loud to be incredibly cool. He sings with a knowing smile, as if he’s already figured out the secret to a happy life.
2. The Philosophy of “Living on Tulsa Time”
The meaning of the song strikes a chord with anyone who has ever chased a dream only to find it wasn’t what they expected.
- The Hollywood Reality Check: The lyrics tell the story of a man who goes to Hollywood to become a star, only to realize he’s “just a Tulsa boy.” For those of us in our later years, this is a beautiful metaphor for life: we often spend our youth rushing toward something “big,” only to find in maturity that the best things are the ones we left behind.
- Redefining Success: “Living on Tulsa Time” means slowing down. It’s the realization that you don’t have to keep up with the frantic pace of the world. It celebrates the wisdom of choosing peace and familiarity over the stress of the “rat race.”
3. A Legacy of Rhythm and Home
Listening to “Tulsa Time” today, it remains a timeless reminder to check our priorities. Don Williams transformed a simple song about a geographical location into a state of mind. Whether you are actually from Oklahoma or not, when Don sings, he makes you feel like “Tulsa Time” is the only time worth living on.
It’s the perfect song to blast on a road trip or listen to while sitting on the porch, reminding us that sometimes the best move you can make is to head back to where you truly belong.