Glen Campbell

Lyrics

[Intro]

[Verse 1]
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searchin' in the sun for another overload

[Chorus 1]
I hear you singing in the wire
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman
Is still on the line
[Break]

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus 2]
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman
Is still on the line
[Break]

[Chorus 2]
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman
Is still on the line
[Outro]

One of the most iconic songs of all time, Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell has rightfully earned its place in music history. The song, released in 1968, reached the third position on the Billboard charts and has continued to be a favorite of music lovers worldwide. The accolades of the song are shared between the singer and the songwriter, Jimmy Webb.

About Wichita Lineman

When it comes to the best songs ever written, Wichita Lineman is always in the conversation. According to Britannica, the song is a "great moment in music history," and The Independent called it "the first existential country song." The song's unique sound and heartfelt lyrics have made it an all-time favorite in the music industry, with Campbell's smooth, melodic voice soaring over Webb's distinctively profound lyrics.

Wichita Lineman's lyrics center around a lineman working on the telephone lines, looking for love as he travels across the country. The song's chorus, "I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main road, searching in the sun for another overload," is catchy and instantly recognizable, imbuing the song with a timeless quality. The lyrics are laced with longing and melancholy, and the way in which Campbell delivers them only adds to the beauty of the song.

The instrumentation in Wichita Lineman is another reason that the song has remained popular over the years. The sound is a perfect blend of pop and country music, without really being either. The arrangement was unique for the time, utilizing a French horn solo to complement the plaintive sound of the guitar, creating a mesmerizing melody that smoothly lifts the song to another level.

The Wichita Lineman album marked the first time Campbell composed his material, and the title track was the only original he wrote for the album. The liner notes reflected the fact that the album was quite a departure for Campbell, describing it as "a new dimension to the music of the 'Glen Campbell Sound.' " Despite the differences between this album and Campbell's previous work, it was a massive success, and Wichita Lineman is undoubtedly a standout track.

The song's songwriter, Jimmy Webb, revealed that he wrote the song in his head as he was driving down a highway in Oklahoma, where the horizon was dotted with telephone poles that seemed to go on forever. Webb, inspired by this endless line of telephone poles, began to think about the people who worked on them and the loneliness that they must experience. From this observation came the lyrics that would translate into one of the most iconic songs of all time.

Webb and Campbell teamed up again for two more hits, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Galveston," both of which are considered classics. Despite the success of these two songs, Wichita Lineman remains one of the most popular songs for the two performers. The song has found its way into the hearts of countless people, timeless in its emotional appeal and unique sound.

Wrapping up

Wichita Lineman is undoubtedly a song that has left an indelible mark on the music industry and will continue to be a favorite for years to come. The combination of Campbell's smooth voice and Webb's poignant lyrics is nothing short of magical, and the unique pop-country sound of the song has made it a true classic. The emotions in the song are relatable to many people, and the song's depth ensures that it will continue to resonate with music lovers all over the world.

• Release Date: October 1968
• Artist: Glen Campbell