About the song
Gene Pitney’s iconic ballad, “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa,” is a musical masterpiece that has resonated with audiences for decades. Penned by the legendary songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this timeless track weaves a captivating tale of a traveler who finds himself unexpectedly drawn into a whirlwind romance.
Originally released in 1963, “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” quickly became a chart-topping hit, cementing Pitney’s status as a rising star. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and the masterful production that brings it to life.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and intrigue. A man, just a day away from reaching his destination of Tulsa, decides to take a detour and check into a motel. It’s during this brief respite that he encounters a woman who instantly captivates him. Their connection is so profound that he finds himself unable to leave. This unexpected detour leads to a love affair that threatens to disrupt his original plans and upend his life.
The musical composition of “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” is equally compelling. Bacharach’s distinctive style, characterized by its harmonic complexity and unexpected twists, adds depth and richness to the song. The interplay between major and minor keys creates a sense of tonal ambiguity, mirroring the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist.
The song’s success was not limited to the United States. It also charted in the UK, where it peaked at number five, propelling Pitney to international stardom. The enduring appeal of “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” lies in its universal themes of love, temptation, and the unexpected twists of fate. It’s a song that continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of listeners, reminding us of the power of music to transport us to different worlds and evoke profound emotions.
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Lyrics
Dearest darling I had to write to say that I won’t be home anymore
cause something happened to me while I was driving home
And I’m not the same anymore
Oh I was only 24 hours from Tulsa
Ah only one day away from your arms
I saw a welcoming light and stopped to rest for the night
And that is when I saw her
As I pulled in outside of a small motel
She was there and so I walked up to her
Asked where I could get something to eat and she showed me where
Oh I was only 24 hours from Tulsa
Ah only one day away from your arms
She took me to a cafe I asked her if she would stay
She said okay
Oh I was only 24 hours from Tulsa
Ah only one day away from your arms
Oh the jukebox started to play
And night time turned into day as we were dancing closely
All of a sudden I lost control as I held her charms
And I caressed her, kissed her
Told her I’d die before I let her out of my arms
Oh I was only 24 hours from Tulsa
Ah only one day away from your arms
I hate to do this to you
But I love somebody new
What can I do
And I can never never never go home again