August 19, 2008

Witchita Lineman

"Wichita Lineman" is a popular song written by Jimmy Webb in 1968, first recorded by Glen Campbell and widely covered by other artists. Campbell's version, which appeared on his 1968 album of the same name, reached #3 on the U.S. pop chart, remaining in the Top 100 for 15 weeks. In addition, the song also topped the American country music chart for two weeks, and the adult contemporary chart for six weeks. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" ranked "Wichita Lineman" at #192. It has been referred to as 'the first existential country song'.

Webb was inspired to write the lyrics when he saw a solitary lineman in rural northern Oklahoma. The lyric describes the longing that a lonely telephone or electric power lineman feels for an absent lover who he imagines he can hear "singing in the wire" that he is working on.

1 comment:

  1. "Wichita Lineman" is really a great song - and Glen Campbell is a great guitarist and singer. Campbell has a good ear in choosing the right song.

    It happens that just today his new album "Meet Glen Campbell" is released, containing songs by U2, Travis, Jackson Browne, Green Day, John Lennon and others.

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