Wichita Lineman
Glen Campbell, The Wrecking Crew
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I am a lineman for the county And I drive the main road Searchin' in the sun for another overload I hear you singin' in the wire, I can hear you through 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 want you, And I want you for all time And the Wichita lineman is still on the line And I need you more than want you, And I want you for all time And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
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Written by: Jimmy L. Webb, Mark Martin Duffy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Wichita Lineman" was written by Jimmy Webb. He is known for many other popular songs like "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "MacArthur Park". Webb composed the song with inspiration from his experience of seeing a lone telephone lineman working atop a pole in the vast emptiness of the Kansas landscape.
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Production TeamThe recording of "Wichita Lineman" was driven by an elite group of session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew. This team included Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, Al Casey on guitar, and many others.
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SingerThe song was famously performed by Glen Campbell, an American singer, guitarist, and actor. Campbell was a star on both country and pop charts in the late 60s and 70s. He is best known for his hits such as "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights".
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Chart Success"Wichita Lineman" was a smash hit, reaching number 3 on the US pop chart, number 1 on the country and adult contemporary charts, and even managed to break into the top 10 in the UK. It also earned two Grammy Awards for Campbell in 1969.
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Unusual ThemeThe song stands out for its unique theme, which is a love song from the perspective of a lonely telephone linesman. Webb described it as "the picture of loneliness." The lineman is isolated in his work, left to his thoughts and his longing for a woman, which is conveyed in the lyric, "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time".
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Album Success"Wichita Lineman" is the title track of Campbell's 12th album. The album itself was a major success and has been certified gold by the RIAA.
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Cultural ImpactOver the years, "Wichita Lineman" has been covered by many other artists, including Sergio Mendes, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, and R.E.M. Even more than half a century later, this song continues to resonate with audiences and is often described as one of the greatest pop songs ever.
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Notable RecognitionIn 2010, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Wichita Lineman" at no. 195 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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Musical CompositionThe song is notable for its orchestral arrangement, especially the use of strings and brass instruments which give it a distinct sound. A haunting six-note refrain played on a baritone guitar by session musician Al Casey is a standout element in the song's composition.
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Critical AcclaimMusic critics praised "Wichita Lineman" for its evocative lyrics, Campbell's heartfelt vocals, and its lush orchestral arrangement. It is often highlighted as a perfect example of the songwriter's and performer's craft.
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Citation
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"Wichita Lineman Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34230/Glen+Campbell/Wichita+Lineman>.
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