Wichita Lineman
Glen Campbell Lyrics
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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
The song "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell tells the story of a county lineman who is responsible for maintaining the telephone and power lines in the area. The opening lines describe his role and job duties, as he drives the main road and searches for potential system overloads. Despite being alone in his duties, the lineman feels a connection to a woman who he hears singing in the telephone wire. Her voice comes through the static and hum of the lines and brings him a source of comfort.
The next verse refers to his desire to take a vacation, but he knows that the weather and conditions in the area won't allow it. He then declares that he needs the woman more than he wants her, and he wants her for all time. The repetition of this phrase in the chorus reinforces his need for this woman and his dedication to his duties as a lineman.
The song is a melancholy love letter to the anonymous woman he hears only through the wires. It is a song about loneliness, isolation, and the longing for human connection. Despite his mundane and solitary job, he finds solace in the voice of the woman who sings into his lines.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a lineman for the county
I work as a lineman for the county handling electrical lines and systems.
And I drive the main road
I travel on the main road to inspect and maintain electrical lines and systems.
Searchin' in the sun for another overload
I'm constantly searching for spots where the electrical systems might break down and become overloaded, especially on hot days.
I hear you singin' in the wire
I can actually hear the electrical signals and hums through the wires and systems.
I can hear you through the whine
Even though there is noise and interference, I can still detect the sounds and signals over the whine.
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
I am still on the job and working, even though others might not be.
I know I need a small vacation
I'm aware that I could use a break from time to time.
But it don't look like rain
Unfortunately, the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating for me to take a break right now.
And if it snows, that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain
If it snows and the power lines come down, I'll be needed to help fix them in the southern part of the county where it's harder to access and work.
And I need you more than want you
I need you in my life more than I merely want you. You are essential to me.
And I want you for all time
I don't just want you temporarily, I want you to be with me forever.
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
I am still on the job and working, even though others might not be.
And I need you more than want you
I need you in my life more than I merely want you. You are essential to me.
And I want you for all time
I don't just want you temporarily, I want you to be with me forever.
And the Wichita lineman is still on the line
I am still on the job and working, even though others might not be.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jimmy Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind