About the song
“Wichita Lineman,” penned by Jimmy Webb in 1968 for Glen Campbell, stands as a poignant emblem of existential longing set against the backdrop of rural America. This song, often hailed as the quintessential country ballad, emerged from a specific creative spark: Webb’s vision while driving through Oklahoma, where a solitary lineman on a telephone pole inspired him.
Webb’s lyrical prowess painted a vivid picture of a lineman’s dual existence—his professional duties versus his personal yearnings. The protagonist, perched high above the plains, is searching not just for electrical issues but also grappling with emotions, echoing the sentiment, “And I need you more than want you / And I want you for all time.” This introspective narrative, nestled within melancholic jazz-infused chords, captures the essence of longing and isolation.
Glen Campbell, already a celebrated session guitarist, took Webb’s unfinished demo and transformed it into a masterpiece. Backed by the Wrecking Crew, Campbell’s rendition evokes the vast prairies and solitary moments of the lineman’s life. The arrangement by Al De Lory, incorporating tremolo bass and ethereal violins, mimics the whistling wires and Morse code-like signals, adding a layer of atmospheric depth to Campbell’s heartfelt delivery.
Upon release, “Wichita Lineman” ascended the charts, reaching number three on the US pop chart and topping both country and adult contemporary charts. Its enduring appeal is evident in its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Critics and musicians alike have lauded the song’s timeless quality. Bob Dylan hailed it as “the greatest song ever written,” highlighting its universal resonance beyond genre boundaries. Its cultural impact is reflected in its recognition by Rolling Stone and BBC Radio, solidifying its status as a song that transcends time and resonates deeply with listeners across generations.
In his book “The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song,” Dylan Jones explores the song’s genesis and its profound influence on music history. Webb’s creation, born from a fleeting glimpse of a lineman’s daily life, continues to captivate audiences with its evocative storytelling and musical brilliance, making “Wichita Lineman” not just a song, but a timeless ode to human longing and the vast American landscape.
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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