About the song
Glen Campbell’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” is a timeless ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1967, the song quickly became a chart-topping hit, showcasing Campbell’s distinctive vocal style and the poignant lyrics penned by Jimmy Webb.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a weary traveler, reflecting on a lost love and the bittersweet memories that linger. The title itself evokes a sense of longing and anticipation, suggesting that the protagonist is searching for solace or closure. Webb’s lyrical imagery is evocative, painting vivid pictures of desolate landscapes and the passage of time.
Campbell’s performance is both heartfelt and restrained, allowing the song’s emotional weight to shine through. His smooth baritone voice conveys a sense of melancholy and resignation, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil with authenticity. The arrangement is sparse, featuring a simple acoustic guitar and strings that complement the intimate nature of the lyrics.
“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” has endured as a classic for its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Its themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time are universal, making it a song that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Campbell’s iconic rendition has cemented its place in the annals of popular music history, a testament to both the artist’s talent and the song’s enduring appeal.
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Lyrics
By the time I get to Phoenix she’ll be rising
She’ll find the note I left hangin’ on her door
She’ll laugh when she reads the part that says I’m leavin’
‘Cause I’ve left that girl so many times before
By the time I make Albuquerque she’ll be working
She’ll probably stop at lunch and give me a call
But she’ll just hear that phone keep on ringin’
Off the wall, that’s all.
By the time I make Oklahoma she’ll be sleepin’
She’ll turn softly and call my name out low
And she’ll cry just to think I’d really leave her
Tho’ time and time I’ve tried to tell her so
She just didn’t know I would really go