About the song
“Wichita Lineman” is a remarkable song from 1968, written by the talented Jimmy Webb and famously recorded by Glen Campbell. The song has been celebrated as one of the defining moments in country music and is often hailed as “the first existential country song.”
The inspiration for “Wichita Lineman” came about after Glen Campbell asked Jimmy Webb for a song that would evoke a sense of place, similar to Campbell’s previous hit, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” Webb, while driving through the Oklahoma plains, was struck by the image of a lone lineman on a telephone pole. This visual sparked the creation of the song, set in Wichita, Kansas, though the real-life inspiration was rooted in Oklahoma.
Webb delivered a demo of the song to Campbell with a few unfinished elements, but Campbell was so moved by it that he felt a deep connection to its themes. Producer Al De Lory, who had personal connections to the imagery of a lineman, was also captivated by the song. He and Campbell, along with the renowned Wrecking Crew, worked to refine the track, adding distinctive musical touches such as a tremolo-infused bass line and ethereal string arrangements.
“Wichita Lineman” stood out not only for its unique sound but also for its lyrical depth. The song is structured in two parts, reflecting the duality of the lineman’s life—his work and his personal longing. This contrast is highlighted by the shift in musical keys, adding a layer of emotional complexity.
The song’s impact was immediate and significant. It reached number 3 on the U.S. pop charts, topped the country music charts for two weeks, and led the adult contemporary charts for six weeks. Its success was recognized with a gold certification by the RIAA and it topped charts in Canada and the UK as well.
“Wichita Lineman” has since been honored for its cultural and historical significance. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000 and added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2019. Esteemed figures in music, including Bob Dylan, have praised it as one of the greatest songs ever written, and it continues to be a profound influence in the world of music.
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.
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.