Wichita Lineman, a song that transcends genre and lodges itself firmly in the pantheon of American music. Released in 1968 by the inimitable Glen Campbell, this melancholic ballad isn’t your typical country tune. It’s a masterfully crafted piece that weaves together introspective lyrics by Jimmy Webb with Campbell’s smooth, melancholic vocals, creating a tapestry of isolation and quiet contemplation.
While the title evokes images of a rugged lineman working the plains of Kansas, the song’s true beauty lies in its universality. Wichita Lineman isn’t just about a blue-collar worker; it’s about anyone who feels a sense of disconnection, a solitary soul adrift in a vast world. Webb’s poetic lyrics paint a picture of the lineman perched high atop a telephone pole, the world stretched out endlessly beneath him.
He’s the unseen hand connecting people, yet remains profoundly alone himself. Lines like “And I work with a hundred miles of lonely wire” and “I fix the breaks in the highway of dreams” evoke a powerful sense of yearning and a wistful longing for something more.
Campbell’s masterful delivery elevates the song even further. His warm baritone voice, usually so comforting and familiar, takes on a hint of world-weariness here. He inhabits the character of the lineman completely, allowing the listener to feel the isolation and quiet desperation. The arrangement, too, perfectly complements the mood. The gentle strum of the acoustic guitar provides a constant rhythm, while the subtle orchestration adds depth and emotion without overpowering the intimacy of the song.
Wichita Lineman is a song that rewards repeated listens. With each pass, you discover new layers of meaning, new subtleties in the lyrics and melody. It’s a song that speaks to the human condition, the feeling of being lost in a crowd, the yearning for connection even in the face of vast loneliness. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
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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
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line