Jimmy Webb is responsible for writing numerous popular and Top 10 hits sung by a disparate group of artists, including Glen Campbell ("Galveston"); Art Garfunkel ("All I Know"); Donna Summer and many others.
Webb's father was a Baptist minister and a former Marine. His mother died when he was a teenager. His most popular songs were all composed when he was between 19 and 21 years of age.
"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century.
He is noted for having written songs that were hits in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and is the only person to receive Grammy Awards in all three categories: music, lyrics and orchestration. Webb has also written the music for the animated film The Last Unicorn.
Webb is also a performer of his own music, although his solo output has never matched the commercial success of recordings of his work by other performers.
He was elected to the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986.
Wichita Lineman
Jimmy Webb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I drive the main roads
Searchin' in the sun
For another overload
I hear you singin' in the wires
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman
I know I need a small vacation
But it don't look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south
Will never 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 lyrics of Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" describe the life and thoughts of a lineman (a worker who maintains telecommunications or power lines) in the county of Wichita, Kansas. The lineman is responsible for driving and maintaining the main roads, always searching for another overload, which refers to excessive demand for electricity or communication lines. The lineman can hear someone singing in the wires, showing his connection with the people who benefit from his work. However, it is revealed that the lineman needs a break to rest, but can't seem to find the opportunity, as the weather conditions continue to worsen. Despite his need for a break and stress, the lineman also acknowledges his love for someone, saying he needs them more than he wants them and that he wants them for all time. The song concludes with the lineman still on the line, implying his commitment to his work and his love.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a lineman for the county
I am an employee of the county responsible for maintaining the power lines
And I drive the main roads
I drive on the main roads in order to identify any faults along the power lines
Searchin' in the sun
I work under the hot sun to fix damaged power lines
For another overload
I am constantly on the lookout for potential power outages
I hear you singin' in the wires
I can hear a humming sound coming from the power lines
I can hear you through the whine
Despite the sound of the wires, I can still hear other sounds
And the Wichita lineman Is still on the line
I am still connected to the power lines in Wichita as a part of my job
I know I need a small vacation
I am in need of a break from my job
But it don't look like rain
Although the weather is clear, it does not mean there won't be any power line malfunctions
And if it snows that stretch down south Will never stand the strain
In the event of snow, the southern part of the power lines will be affected
And I need you more than want you
I am dependent on your assistance and cannot imagine working without it
And I want you for all time
I hope to continue to receive your help indefinitely
And the Wichita lineman Is still on the line
Again, I am still connected to the power lines in Wichita necessary for my job
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimmy Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edwardskinner651
"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time... May be the most romantic line ever written for a song.
@notimefordowntimesoriseabo5930
word
@duaneverde9879
romantic? sounds like a weak, desperate woeful, pathetic cry for help. how is that romantic?
@T1tusCr0w
It reminds me of my dad and mum. She died of an illness when they’d been together 42 years. I’m an artist so I did a painting of her for him. One of my best tbh, but to my dad it was perfection. He put it up in their room took to drinking and after 5 sad years me and the family sold up and moved into the big house that was my parents.
Had to, he was no longer able to look after himself. But he would play music at night and drink. And i remember coming in to see if he was ok this sound was on it was the old version.. glen Campbell ? And he had tears streaming down his face just staring at the picture of my Ma. It made me think. Everything has to be paid for. Even a perfect life of love.
Because he couldn’t do without her.
@mariais4451
Thank you for sharing your family story. I felt I was there with your father for this brief moment. Real love indeed is very everlasting, Those who know it can understand your father. May the Lord's peace and comfort embrace your family. Love is what we keep forever, and everything else fades away. ❤
@alanurbanski7697
I remember the first time I heard this song. It was when it was first played on Top 40 radio in the 60s. Remember it well. Was riding on the main road into the next town, in the back seat, with mom and dad in the front. You could get lost in the music better in the back seat. You were alone. No eyes on you. Driving past a familiar cemetery in the next town while it played. Sunny summer day. I was about 12 years old. It entranced me. And that line just melted me. I agree. The most romantic line ever written. Webb is one of a kind. An independent sensibility.
@wcomley
In my humble opinion this version of Wichita Lineman by the man himself is absolutely incredible!!! Fantastic piece of music!
@joelosnoss5371
I agree... For example, when he sings: “you know I need a small vacation...” I feel the exhaustion of a hard-working person. It destroys me.
@therussiandragon616
I have been listening to this tune since 1968. I think it is completely credible.
@marinadalsoglio4753
Me too. It is.
@@therussiandragon616