About the song
“Wichita Lineman” is a timeless country music classic that has captivated listeners for generations. Written by Jimmy Webb in 1968, the song was recorded by Glen Campbell, backed by the legendary Wrecking Crew, a group of talented session musicians from Los Angeles. The song’s unique blend of country, pop, and rock elements has made it a staple of American music, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continuing to resonate with audiences today.
The song’s inspiration came from a chance encounter between Webb and Campbell, who was looking for a new song to follow up his hit single “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”. Webb’s response was “Wichita Lineman”, a song that was born from his own personal experiences and observations. The song’s lyrics are a poignant reflection on the human condition, with the protagonist’s longing for connection and love serving as a powerful metaphor for the universal human desire for connection and understanding.
The song’s arrangement is equally impressive, with Webb’s evocative lyrics set to a soaring melody that features a range of instruments, from the tremolo-infused Dano bass to the soaring violins and ethereal keyboard motifs. The song’s production is a masterclass in atmosphere and mood, with producer Al De Lory’s use of orchestral arrangements and sound effects creating a sense of space and depth that draws the listener in.
Throughout the song’s history, “Wichita Lineman” has been covered by countless artists, but it is Glen Campbell’s version that remains the most iconic and enduring. Campbell’s smooth, velvety vocals bring a sense of warmth and intimacy to the song, while the Wrecking Crew’s instrumentation adds a level of sophistication and polish that elevates the song to new heights. Today, “Wichita Lineman” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the power of music to touch our hearts and souls.
Video
Lyrics
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searching in the sun for another overload.
I hear you singing in the wire.
I can hear you thru the whine
And the Wichita Lineman
Is still on the line.
I know I need a small vacation
But it don’t look like rain.
And if it snows that stretch down south
Won’t ever stand the strain.
And I need you more than I want you.
And I want you for all time.
And the Wichita Lineman
Is still on the line.
Guitar##
And I need you more than I want you.
And I want you for all time.
And the Wichita Lineman
Is still on the line.