“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Imagine a road trip, windows down, the scent of fresh fields rolling in as the skyline stretches out into a painter’s masterpiece of dusk. The radio crackles to life, and suddenly you’re not just driving through Oklahoma—you’re part of it, thanks to a song that feels like the state’s own heartstring. This song is “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma,” a duet that captures the spirit of place and emotion in a way only music can.
Released in 1981 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Any Which Way You Can, the song is a vocal dance between David Frizzell and Shelly West. It’s a country ballad that speaks to the heart with its tale of love and longing across distances. The lyrics tell a story of two lovers separated by miles but connected by the land itself, with Oklahoma standing as a symbol of their bond.
What makes this song special isn’t just its lyrical beauty or the harmonious blend of Frizzell and West’s voices; it’s how it resonates with anyone who has ever missed someone. The melody carries a mix of longing and appreciation, mirroring the highs and lows of love. It’s this emotional honesty that has helped the song remain a beloved piece in the annals of country music.
The impact of “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” extends beyond its initial release, influencing artists and music lovers alike. It’s a piece that stands as a testament to the power of place in music, showing how deeply a song can be woven into the fabric of a locale’s identity.
This song is not just a tune; it’s a journey—a musical bridge over miles, connecting hearts with chords and choruses. It’s a reminder that sometimes, music is the reason we feel so deeply rooted to a place, to memories, and to each other.
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Lyrics
There’s a full moon over Tulsa
I hope that it’s shining on you
The nights are getting cold
In Cherokee County
There’s a Blue Norther passing through
I remember green eyes and a ranchers daughter
But remember is all that I do
Losing you left a pretty good cowboy
With nothing to hold on to
Sundown came and I drove to town
And drank a drink or two
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
And I’m sure missing you
I’m sure missing you
Here the city lights out shine the moon
I was just now thinking of you
Sometimes when the wind blows you can see the mountains
And all the way to Malibu
Everyone’s a star here in L.A. County
You oughta see the things that they do
All the cowboys down on the Sunset Strip
Wish that they could be like you
The Santa Monica Freeway
Sometimes makes a country girl blue
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
And I’m sure missing you
I work 10 hours on a John Deere tractor
Just thinking of you all day
I’ve got a calico cat and a two room flat
On a street in West L.A.
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
You’re the reason God made Oklahoma
And I’m sure missing you
I’m sure missing you