Wichita Lineman
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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





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 song "Wichita Lineman" by Cassandra Wilson speaks of a lineman who works for the county and drives the main road looking for another overload, all while searching for a small vacation. He hears someone singing in the wire amidst the whine of the road, and he knows it's the Wichita Lineman still on the line. The lyrics hint at the loneliness and isolation of the lineman's job, as well as his need and desire for someone to be there for him.


The song is a beautiful example of a ballad, as it tells a story through its lyrics and melody. Wilson's voice adds depth to the already profound lyrics, making the singer and the listener feel the weight of the words. The song captures the essence of longing for human connection and the contrasting solitude of a job like a lineman's.


Line by Line Meaning

I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
I work as a lineman for the county and my job is to maintain and repair the power lines that run along the main road.


Searchin' in the sun for another overload
I am always on the lookout for any overload or fault in the power lines, even if it means working under the hot sun.


I hear you singin' in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
I have an intuitive understanding of the power lines, and I can detect any issues just by hearing the sound they make.


And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
Despite any challenges or obstacles, I am committed to my job and will always be on the line to ensure the power keeps flowing.


I know I need a small vacation but it don't look like rain
Although I am aware that I need a break, the weather conditions are favorable for power line maintenance and repair, and I can't afford to take time off.


And if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain
During snowy weather, the power lines located in the southern stretch will face severe strain, and it's my job to ensure they remain functional.


And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
My job is essential, and I need the power lines to function reliably, and I will always be committed to ensuring they stay operational.


And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
My dedication to my job is unwavering, and I will always be on the line to ensure the power stays on.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimmy Webb

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

John Hextall

A lot of people seem to not like this version. I think it's incredible. Cassandra Wilson takes several popular classics, dismantles them and rearranges them in a very sparse but sophisticated rhythmic way that creates a tremendous amount of tension. If you are lucky enough to see her live, you can feel the songs straining, tearing themselves apart (and occasionally collapsing in a heap!). An event not to be missed. Music is all about tension and release, and part of the genius of her arrangements is to distill that tension into something so simple and beautiful.

B Roq

The simple very harsh reality of it is that many (far too many) folks just aren't very bright😊, that's just our beautiful but stupid human race. This song is ridiculously and amazingly gorgeous. Instant heaven

John Frey

saw her in concert with this band and the second half opener was this song. I could have cried it was so beautiful and the band is perfect.

Reggie George's

I heard The Legendary Cassandra At Jacksonville Florida Jazz Festival and S.H.E sang this under the anointing. ✊🏼🤍🖤🕊️🛤️🏺📿 I Fell in Love with this version of this classic most remembered by the original singer??? And The Hon. Glen.Campbell. ❤️. In 2021 I finally visited the actually town in Sedgwick County, KANSAS 🏀🏆🥇🦜 Home State of the 2022 NCAA Basketball CHAMPIONS 🎊🥳 🥞🍳☕ KANSAS, 🌾 Jay Hawks 🦜. 😆 And We had us a Good Time. Together Father God & I. Where's Cassandra WILSON Come see Russell Play for our DENVER Broncos.🥰

Jivon Lee Jackson

I adore this version in fact I did not hear the original until I heard this release . Love them both, fantastic song!

Leon Roach

Saw this incredible singer some years ago and am still haunted by her vocal dexterity

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2215bee

I love Cassandra Wilson's version of this song, because she doesn't hurry her delivery and uses space in interesting ways, and does wayward things with her voice, things I'm not used to hearing...but I also like Smokey's version, Tom Jones version, Glen Campbell's version and Sergio Mendes' version. If any out there in YouTube land are interested, go on to wiki and look at all the artists who've covered the song, it's incredible...

Siquomb1

Slow dance to this one!

Marshal Michael

One of my dearest friends from high school. Even back then we knew she would be a star.

Dr. Bell

Her voice is just spiritual.

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