About the song
“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Written by the incomparable Jimmy Webb, this song has been reinterpreted by numerous artists, including Johnny Rivers, Glen Campbell, and Isaac Hayes, to name a few. Released in 1967, Campbell’s version of the song topped the charts, reaching number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and winning two awards at the 10th Annual Grammys. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its ranking as the third most performed song from 1940 to 1990 by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and its position as number 20 on BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century.
The inspiration for “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” originated in Jimmy Webb’s personal experience, specifically his breakup with Susan Horton. Despite the song’s geographical title, Webb did not intend for it to be taken literally. Instead, he envisioned a “fantasy about something I wish I would have done” that takes place in a “twilight zone of reality.” The song’s protagonist plans to leave his lover, but Webb himself did not leave Horton, adding a layer of complexity to the song’s narrative.
The song’s impact extends beyond its chart-topping success. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Isaac Hayes, who recorded a 18-minute and 40-second version that recounts the events leading up to the roadtrip. The song’s versatility has also led to medleys with other popular tracks, such as “I Say a Little Prayer” and “MacArthur Park.” Frank Sinatra even called it “the greatest torch song ever written.” With its poignant lyrics, soaring melody, and timeless themes, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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Lyrics
By the time I get to Phoenix she’ll be rising
She’ll find the note I left hangin’ on her door
She’ll laugh when she reads the part that says I’m leavin’
‘Cause I’ve left that girl so many times before
By the time I make Albuquerque she’ll be working
She’ll probably stop at lunch and give me a call
But she’ll just hear that phone keep on ringin’
Off the wall, that’s all.
By the time I make Oklahoma she’ll be sleepin’
She’ll turn softly and call my name out low
And she’ll cry just to think I’d really leave her
Tho’ time and time I’ve tried to tell her so
She just didn’t know I would really go