Introduction:
“Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa” is a country song by the legendary George Strait, released in 2003 as a part of his critically acclaimed album Honkytonkville. Written by songwriter Red Lane, this track showcases Strait’s signature style of blending traditional country music with modern elements, which has long been a hallmark of his career.
The song stands out for its melancholic yet heartfelt narrative, focusing on a man who’s trying to move on from a woman in Tulsa, only to realize that no matter what he hears about the place, he can’t stop thinking about her. This emotional depth is reflected in the smooth, soulful delivery that has become synonymous with Strait’s vocals.
Released as the second single from the Honkytonkville album, “Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa” quickly resonated with listeners. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing its commercial success even though it didn’t top the charts like some of Strait’s other hits. Its relatively modest chart performance didn’t diminish its place in Strait’s vast catalog of beloved songs, as it continued to be a favorite among fans for its relatable lyrics and timeless country sound.
Musically, the song fits squarely within the neotraditional country genre that George Strait helped popularize. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming, subtle pedal steel, and the sparse arrangement allow the emotion in Strait’s voice to take center stage. The production, like much of Strait’s work, is understated yet powerful, highlighting the storytelling aspect that is so important in country music.
While Honkytonkville as an album was highly praised, “Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa” stood out for its introspective take on love and loss, proving once again why George Strait has remained one of country music’s most enduring and influential artists.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa”
Love is so beautiful
When everything is fine
But when it is like hers and mine
It lives and dies at least
Ten Thousand
Times[Chorus:]
Tell me something bad about Tulsa
How those old oil wells
Smell in the wind
Tell me something bad about Tulsa
So I won’t have to go back
Believing I belong there
AgainEyes as blue as Tulsa skis
I kept getting lost in when I met her
Hair like Oklahoma sand
I could run my hands through forever
But all good things must end
All rivers have to bend
I keep runnin’ out
But she keeps pullin’ me back in[Chorus]
Tell me something bad about Tulsa
So I won’t have to go back
Believing I belong there
Again