I hope everyone has a Happy Fathers Day.
I had wanted to write an Oklahoma song since 2007, the Centennial year of Statehood. Only recently did this song come along as part of my ‘Life by Rivers’ collection. I say it “came along” because that’s the way it happens with the songs I write. It starts with a phrase or an image and the suggestion of a tune and suddenly the lyrics just come tumbling out. I know I’m composing but it all seems more like a gift given and received. I’m grateful.
I had wanted to write an Oklahoma song since 2007, the Centennial year of Statehood. Only recently did this song come along as part of my ‘Life by Rivers’ collection. I say it “came along” because that’s the way it happens with the songs I write. It starts with a phrase or an image and the suggestion of a tune and suddenly the lyrics just come tumbling out. I know I’m composing but it all seems more like a gift given and received. I’m grateful.
There’s a place that they call Oklahoma
She has been a good friend to meI made my home where the buffalo roam
In a land where they live to be free
You can see it painted deep in their faces
It’s a love passed from father to sonLike the old man who cried just before he died
And told me what he wanted done
Lay me down near my home in the Plains
Where the eagle soars high in a clear blue sky
And wildflowers wait for the rain
Redbuds blossom in springtime
Cool breezes blow in the fallCome autumn nights under stadium lights
We cheer for our team one and all
Red brothers and sisters before us
Were the ones to give this land its nameAnd throughout the years and a Trail of Tears
Had the grace and the grit to remain
Folks smile here the first time they meet you
They assume that you’re already friendsThey know hard times come to everyone
And they’ll stand by your side to the end
So if you like the wide open spaces
Then this is the place you should beBut lift up your head, it’s like Woody said:
“This land was made for you and me”
© 2015 Dale Petley (Oklahoma City)