Jimmy Webb is responsible for writing numerous popular and Top 10 hits sung by a disparate group of artists, including Glen Campbell ("Galveston"); Art Garfunkel ("All I Know"); Donna Summer and many others.
Webb's father was a Baptist minister and a former Marine. His mother died when he was a teenager. His most popular songs were all composed when he was between 19 and 21 years of age.
"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.
He is noted for having written songs that were hits in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and is the only person to receive Grammy Awards in all three categories: music, lyrics and orchestration. Webb has also written the music for the animated film The Last Unicorn.
Webb is also a performer of his own music, although his solo output has never matched the commercial success of recordings of his work by other performers.
He was elected to the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986.
Oklahoma Nights
Jimmy Webb Lyrics
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Buy us a bottle of wine
Head up north to see the old gang
I want to see some friends of mine
I want to see some friends of mine
True loving people whose hearts are kind
Find that little town that's in the back of my mind
Oklahoma, the wind comes sweepin'
Thru a sky full of lights
While he's a singin' of an airless flight
Put the lamp in a window, lead me back
Lead me back to those Oklahoma nights
When we get back to the old barn dance
We'll hear that Rock-a-billy band
Singin' about some long lost romance
And we'll know we're home again
Yes we'll know we're home again
With Panhndle people who understand
Dry a little tear from the back of my hand
Oklahoma nights I will never forget you
Oklahoma the wind comes sweepin'
Thru a sky full of lights
While he's singin' of an airless flight
Put the lamp in a window mama, turn it up bright
Lead me back to those Oklahoma nights
The lyrics to Jimmy Webb Feat. Vince Gill's song "Oklahoma Nights" are a nostalgic and romantic ode to the memories of a past life. The opening lines set the scene for a road trip with a partner, cruising in a vintage Mustang, and sharing a bottle of wine. With a desire to reconnect with old friends and visit a familiar small town, the singer revels in the warmth and kindness of "true loving people." These fond memories of caring hearts and a simpler life are sure to leave an indelible mark on the singer's soul.
As the song progresses, the singer reminisces about the sights and sounds of the Oklahoma nights, with the sweeping winds that blow through bright skies and the "Rock-a-billy band" singing about lost love. The mention of the "Panhandle people" underlines the singer's nostalgia and a longing to return to a place that understands their heartache. The closing lines speak to the deep-rooted attachment that the singer has to Oklahoma nights, with a plea to put a lamp in the window and lead them back to this place that will forever hold a special place in their heart.
Overall, "Oklahoma Nights" is a touching tribute to the importance of love and community, and the significance of the places that shape our lives and memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Put the top down on this old Mustang
Lower the roof of the classic car we're driving
Buy us a bottle of wine
Purchase a bottle of wine for us to enjoy
Head up north to see the old gang
Travel towards the northern region to reunite with old friends
I want to see some friends of mine
My desire is to visit some of my closest acquaintances
True loving people whose hearts are kind
These people are genuine and compassionate
Find that little town that's in the back of my mind
Locate the small town that's been on my mind recently
Oklahoma nights I will never forget you
The memories of Oklahoma evenings will remain with me forever
Oklahoma, the wind comes sweepin'
The state of Oklahoma experiences strong, gusty winds
Thru a sky full of lights
Passing through a sky illuminated by multiple sources of light
While he's a singin' of an airless flight
The singer performs a song about a flight lacking proper ventilation
Put the lamp in a window, lead me back
Illuminate a lamp in a window as a means of guiding me back
When we get back to the old barn dance
Upon our return to the traditional country dance held in a barn setting
We'll hear that Rock-a-billy band
We'll enjoy the performance of a rockabilly music group
Singin' about some long lost romance
Singing a song pertaining to a romance from long ago
And we'll know we're home again
We'll sense a feeling of comfort and familiarity
Yes we'll know we're home again
Confirmed, the notion that we've arrived in a place we consider home
With Panhndle people who understand
In the company of Texans hailing from the Panhandle region who share our values
Dry a little tear from the back of my hand
Wipe away any remnants of crying that may have occurred in secrecy
Put the lamp in a window mama, turn it up bright
Requesting the mother to sufficiently light up the lamp placed in the window
Lead me back to those Oklahoma nights
Guide me back to the enjoyable nights spent in Oklahoma
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.