About The Song
“Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, released in 1963 and performed by Gene Pitney. “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” remains a classic in Pitney’s repertoire, reflecting the storytelling prowess of its songwriters and the emotive delivery of Pitney’s performance.
The lyrics depict a man who, while traveling, becomes involved in a romantic affair in a motel in Tulsa, ultimately leading him to abandon his original plans and never return home. The song’s narrative explores themes of love, temptation, and the consequences of impulsive decisions.
Lyrics
Dearest darling
I had to write to say that I won't be home any more
For something happened to me
While I was driving home and I'm not the same any more
Oh, I was only twenty four 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 the small hotel 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 twenty four hours from Tulsa
Ah, only one day away from your arms
She took me to the café
I asked her if she would stay
She said, "Okay"
Oh, I was only twenty four hours from Tulsa
Ah, only one day away from your arms
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 would let her out of my arms
Oh, I was only twenty four 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
When I can never, never, never go home again?