About the song
“Tulsa Queen” by Emmylou Harris is a captivating and somewhat enigmatic track that showcases her distinctive blend of country, folk, and rock sensibilities. Appearing on her acclaimed 1977 album “Luxury Liner,” this song, co-written with Rodney Crowell, offers a compelling narrative woven with Harris’s signature vocal grace. It’s more than just a song; it’s a journey, a glimpse into a character shrouded in a touch of mystery and independence.
The lyrics of “Tulsa Queen” evoke a sense of movement and perhaps a hint of restlessness. The imagery of a train in the Tulsa night calling out a name suggests a search or a departure. The “Tulsa Queen” herself is portrayed as someone who has traveled a long way and has further to go, hinting at a life lived on her own terms. Harris’s delivery, marked by its clear soprano and understated emotion, adds to the song’s intriguing and somewhat melancholic atmosphere. There’s a sense of knowing in her voice, as if she understands the complexities of the character she’s portraying.
Emmylou Harris’s vocal style, characterized by its purity and emotional depth, imbues the song with a captivating blend of strength and vulnerability. She doesn’t simply sing the lyrics; she inhabits the narrative, allowing the listener to connect with the elusive “Tulsa Queen” on an almost intuitive level. The instrumentation on the track, typical of Harris’s sound during this period, often features a blend of acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, and subtle percussion, creating a rich yet uncluttered sonic landscape that perfectly complements her vocals. Notably, Brian Ahern, her husband and producer at the time, played a significant role in shaping this sound.
“Tulsa Queen” stands out within Emmylou Harris’s extensive and highly regarded discography as a track that balances narrative intrigue with musical sophistication. It avoids easy categorization, drawing from country storytelling traditions while incorporating a more contemporary musical feel. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its evocative imagery and the sense of independence it conveys, embodied in the figure of the “Tulsa Queen” herself. It’s a testament to Harris’s ability to interpret and deliver songs that are both artistically rich and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The song’s somewhat ambiguous nature invites repeated listening and personal interpretation, further solidifying its place as a gem in her catalog.
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Lyrics
I heard the train
In the Tulsa night
Calling out my name
Looking for a fight
Well she come a long, long way
Got a longer way to go
So tell me how a train from Tulsa
Has got a right to know
Well she sings a song
So sad and high
And the Tulsa Queen
Don’t ever lie
And she don’t care where she goes
Don’t care where she’s been
And the Tulsa Queen ain’t crying
‘Cause I won’t see you again
Hey, hey, hey
And I want to ride
Like a Tulsa Queen
Calling out to you
As she calls to me
As far away from Tulsa
As these ten wheels can be
Lately I speak
Your name too loud
Each time it comes up
In a crowd
And I know it when I do
The Tulsa Queen and you
Are gone
