About the song
Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” a timeless ballad released in 1968, is a poignant meditation on isolation, longing, and the enduring power of love. Written by Jimmy Webb, the song’s evocative imagery and haunting melody have cemented its place in the American musical canon.
The song’s narrative centers around the solitary figure of the Wichita lineman, a man tasked with maintaining the vast network of telephone lines across the American plains. His isolation is both physical and emotional, as he spends his days tending to the invisible infrastructure that connects people. The lineman’s solitude is mirrored by his longing for his lover, who is far away. The image of the lineman standing atop a telephone pole, speaking into his handset, becomes a metaphor for his yearning for connection.
Campbell’s vocal performance is both tender and melancholic, capturing the song’s emotional depth. The arrangement, featuring lush strings and a gentle guitar accompaniment, creates a sense of wistful nostalgia. The song’s lyrical beauty and musical sophistication have made it a beloved classic, resonating with listeners across generations.
“Wichita Lineman” is more than just a country song; it is a poignant exploration of human loneliness and the enduring power of love. Through its haunting melody and evocative imagery, the song invites listeners to contemplate the universal themes of isolation, longing, and the search for connection.
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.
Guitar##
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.