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

I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
Searchin' in the sun for another overload

And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Cash's Wichita Lineman express the inner conflict of a hardworking lineman. The first verse suggests that he is alone, driving on a main road while searching for an "overload" – a reference to the amount of power that a power line carries. Despite his solitude, he hears "you" singing in the wire, tugging at his heartstrings. The chorus repeats the title, the "Wichita Lineman", who is "still on the line" – both physically, as he is still at work, and emotionally, as he is still connected to the person who is singing in the wire.

The second verse expresses his longing for someone he needs and wants for all time, even though he may not be able to have her. He acknowledges the need for a break from work but fears the strain of a snowstorm on the power lines. The final chorus repeats the earlier themes and concludes the song.

Overall, the lyrics of Wichita Lineman are about a mix of loneliness, dedication, and longing for emotional connection, and reflect Cash's ability to convey emotion through his subtle and nuanced lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
As a lineman who works for the county, I travel the primary roads seeking electrical overload.

Searchin' in the sun for another overload
Beneath the blazing sun, I am looking for another surge of power that will indicate a disruption in the electrical cables.

I hear you singin' in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
While working, I can hear the hum and vibrations of the electrical wires, which sound like singing to me.

And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
The Wichita Lineman is committed and dedicated to his job of repairing electrical cables and will stay on the job until it is done.

I know I need a small vacation but it don't look like rain
Although I know I need a break, there is no sign of any upcoming rain that would cause electrical problems, so I must keep working.

And if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain
If there is a snowstorm in the southern area of where I work, the electrical cables there will not be able to withstand the pressure and strain.

And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
In my personal life, I need the person I love more than just wanting them and I want them to be with me forever.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jimmy Webb

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Anonymous

on Wayfaring Stranger

Wayfaring Stranger - The New Appalachians - Lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone

There will be no sickness, toil or danger
In that grand land to which I roam

Well I'm going home to see my mother
I'm going home to a morning rose
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
And beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed there vigils keep

Well I'm going home to see my brothers
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I'm going home to see my Father
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I’m only goin’ where no one roams

I want to wear that crown of glory
When I get to that good land
I want to shout out salvation story
In concert with that blood washed band.
I'm going there to see my saviour
I’ll see his face no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm only goin' over home