About The Song
“Wichita Lineman” was written by Jimmy Webb, it was released by Glen Campbell in 1968. The song reflects on themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and longing, resonating with listeners. Jimmy Webb was inspired to write the song while driving along the Kansas-Oklahoma border and seeing a solitary telephone lineman working atop a telephone pole. This image sparked the creation of the song .
Campbell’s rendition reached number 3 on the US pop chart, topped the American country music chart for two weeks, and remained in the Top 100 for 15 weeks. It also led the adult contemporary chart for six weeks and achieved gold certification by the RIAA in January 1969. Despite its simple tale, “Wichita Lineman” remains a timeless classic, covered by various artists, showcasing Campbell’s velvety vocals as the quintessential rendition.
Video
Lyrics
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
[Instrumental Interlude]
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
[Instrumental to end]