MAY 27, 1968 – Glen Campbell recorded “Wichita Lineman” at the Capitol Recording Studio at Hollywood & Vine in Los Angeles with backing from members of the Wrecking Crew.
“Wichita Lineman” was featured in series 12 of BBC Radio 4’s Soul Music, a documentary series featuring stories behind pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact. In March 2020, the song was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
LYRICS:
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searchin’ in the sun for another overload
I hear you singing 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
