Written in about 30 minutes on hotel stationery during a winter storm, "Tulsa Time" became one of the most recognizable country and roots-rock anthems of the late 1970s. The song tells the story of an aspiring traveler who leaves Oklahoma for the fast-paced glamour of California, only to find himself overwhelmed, broke, and longing for home. Instead of chasing empty dreams under the Hollywood lights, the narrator decides to head back where he can set his watch to a slower, more authentic pace.
The track crossed musical boundaries thanks to definitive recordings by country icon Don Williams and rock legend Eric Clapton. Its enduring appeal lies in a simple truth: no matter how far you roam, the grounding comfort of home is hard to beat. Below is a look at the origins of the song, the narrative behind the lyrics, and how it cemented its place in American music history.
The Origins of Tulsa Time
Songwriter Danny Flowers was working as a guitarist in Don Williams' touring band when inspiration struck. While staying at a hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bad winter weather trapped the crew indoors with nothing to do. Feeling homesick and restless, Flowers grabbed hotel stationery and sketched out the chords and verses that would become "Tulsa Time".
Flowers originally intended the tune for Williams, but word traveled fast. Eric Clapton, who was deeply immersed in American roots music at the time, heard the track and wanted to record it immediately. A friendly race ensued between Williams and Clapton. Williams won the initial release, putting it out as the opening track on his 1978 album Expressions.
Decoding the Narrative and Lyrics
The song opens with a classic tale of frustration:
I left Oklahoma, drivin' in a Pontiac Just about to lose my mind I was goin' to Arizona On a one-way trip, losin' track behind
The narrator is fleeing the perceived stagnation of his home state for greener pastures, but reality hits hard once he reaches the West Coast. Hollywood glamour turns out to be hollow, and the rush of city life wears thin.
The core message crystallizes in the chorus:
Well, you can bury me not on the lone prairie Don't want your Hollywood wine I'm gonna set my watch back to Tulsa time
Setting your watch to Tulsa time isn't just about a time zone; it's a metaphor for rejecting societal pressure, slowing down, and embracing a lifestyle focused on peace of mind rather than constant hustle.
Chart Success and Cultural Impact
Don Williams took "Tulsa Time" straight to the top of the charts. By January 1979, the track hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed for a week while maintaining a massive eleven-week run in the top tier. The Academy of Country Music named it the Single Record of the Year for 1979, and it helped solidify Williams' reputation as the Gentle Giant of country music.
Meanwhile, Eric Clapton didn't let the song go. He recorded his own blues-rock rendition for his 1978 studio album Backless. Later, a high-energy live version recorded in Tokyo became a billboard hit for Clapton in 1980. Clapton's version featured an Oklahoma-heavy backing band that leaned into the Tulsa Sound, a distinct blend of blues, country, and rock pioneered by local legends like J.J. Cale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually wrote Tulsa Time?
The song was written by Texas-born songwriter and guitarist Danny Flowers while he was on tour with Don Williams.
Did Don Williams or Eric Clapton record it first?
Don Williams recorded and released it first on his 1978 album Expressions. Eric Clapton recorded his version shortly after for the Backless album, and later scored a chart hit with a live rendition.
What does "Tulsa Time" mean as a phrase?
It refers to a slower, stress-free pace of life. Choosing Tulsa time means stepping away from frantic modern pressures and returning to what feels grounded and real.
Has any other major artist covered the song?
Yes, artists ranging from country traditionalists to rock guitarists have tackled the track over the decades. Most notably, Billy Ray Cyrus released multiple interpretations of the song featuring guest artists like Noah Cyrus and Joe Perry.
