About the song
“Tulsa Queen,” a song by the illustrious Emmylou Harris, is a standout track from her 1977 album *Luxury Liner*. Emmylou Harris, known for her angelic voice and heartfelt performances, has been a significant figure in the country and folk music scenes for decades. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Harris has always had a unique ability to blend traditional country with contemporary sounds, and “Tulsa Queen” is a perfect example of her artistry.
The song was co-written by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, who has collaborated with Harris on numerous occasions, bringing his songwriting prowess to her evocative singing style. “Tulsa Queen” tells a poignant story of loss and longing, themes that are often explored in Harris’s music. Her expressive vocals combined with the melancholic melody capture the essence of the song’s narrative, making it resonate deeply with listeners.
*Luxury Liner*, the album that features “Tulsa Queen,” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. This album is often cited as one of Harris’s finest works, solidifying her status as a leading voice in country music during the 1970s. Alongside “Tulsa Queen,” the album includes other memorable tracks that showcase Harris’s versatility and deep emotional connection to her music.
While “Tulsa Queen” may not have charted as a single, it remains a cherished piece in Emmylou Harris’s extensive catalog. The song’s narrative, combined with Harris’s emotive delivery, has ensured its lasting legacy among fans and music enthusiasts alike. For those who appreciate storytelling through song, “Tulsa Queen” is a quintessential listen that highlights the depth and sincerity of Emmylou Harris’s musical talent.
Video
Lyrics
I heard the train
In the Tulsa night
Calling out my name
Looking for a fight
She’s 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
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
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…