James Taylor - Wichita Lineman Lyrics






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





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James Taylor Wichita Lineman Comments
  1. L.... G....

    Ooooooops, Jimmy Webb....ouch,what was i thinkin

  2. L.... G....

    He w r o t e this song,so campbells is the cover,technically. Fantadtic,either way.

  3. L.... R....

    Hermosísima canción! La adoro, me hace pensar en cosas bonitas!

  4. e.... f....

    Great cover of one of the Greatest songs ever done . Originally done by the Great Glenn Campbell.

  5. B.... K....

    Who would have ever thought to write about an unsung hero-a lineman who goes to work rain or shine. Now that's the kind of man a woman falls for.

  6. S.... C....

    Just when I thought there can't be a Wichita Lineman as good as Glen Campbell's, I found something that comes pretty close.

    S.... C....

    Thanks for tuning in.

    S.... C....

    Better.

  7. R.... 0....

    This version of witchitah lineman is absolutely beautiful. I love James Taylor's music. No hate just love. I'll be listening to it until the day I die.

  8. M.... M....

    Wonderful cover jt! Happy I've seen ya twice at the gorge in WA!

    M.... M....

    Thanks Mitch for tuning in.

  9. R.... ....

    RIP Glenn ❤️👍💥😃🙏

  10. C.... ....

    This is a good cover, but Glenn's is still the best.

    C.... ....

    Really❣

  11. s.... S....

    why are they climbing Sequoias?

  12. W.... R....

    It's not often that you can say that someone sang a song better than James Taylor, but the best version of Wichita Lineman is Jimmy Webb's own version... no one else comes close.

    W.... R....

    Thanks Will for tuning in. To each his own.

  13. L.... C....

    Glen’s1968 original captures the lonely, sad and melancholy of this timeless song. But this is very nice. Love the piano.

  14. M.... S....

    @Jan Hammer At first I preferred Glen's version, the one I know in my head, the one I've been singing since I was a little girl. But I listened to James' version a few times and I was hooked. It is more subtle and soulful to me, and it pulled me in. I have it on a loop now for over a half hour and I am addicted. Thank you.

  15. D.... O....

    i guess i am not very bright; what does this video have to do with the song? i was a phone man for two years in South Miami in the late sixties: Wichita Lineman was the sound track to my work; it still haunts me even after all these years. My favorite version is that of Jimmy Webb and Billy Joel.

    D.... O....

    Thanks for checking in with us and for expressing your views.

    D.... O....

    Don Oja-Dunaway. agreed;I simply dont watch;just listen!

    D.... O....

    Thanks Don for visiting the channel. This was the official video for the tune by Taylor. The producer would have to answer your question. My view is that sometimes they just use pretty pictures. Both versions you have mentioned are great.

  16. T.... C....

    Exceptional.

  17. C.... P....

    I love this. The song is beautiful, and Glen Campbell's version takes me back to sweet childhood memories. But James' version brings me to tears... I love his voice and the beautiful strings.

  18. M.... ....

    Campbell has the iconic version, but I think the Taylor performance is just as great if not better. Taylor has a much more relaxed style that befits the tune better.

  19. A.... G....

    R.I.P. Glenn Campbell.

  20. A.... A....

    feel good sounds ... easies up the soul and spirit... Hope more musician will make such kind of MUSIC...

  21. D.... F....

    Glen Campbell died today. He brought this great Jimmy Webb melody to the world. James Taylor's version is equally classic. No one writes songs like this anymore.

    D.... F....

    There are still a few great songwriters out there. They just don't get the radio exposure people like Jimmy Webb, James Taylor or Burt Bachrach and Hal David did back in the day. Nashville is teeming with young talent. Only a tiny handful get the big corporate push into the limelight, though.

    D.... F....

    @jabbermocky Bobby Braddock. Jamey Johnson. Alan Jackson.

    D.... F....

    My first exposure to James Taylor was "Seminole Wind". He and Roy Orbison were seriously underrated.

  22. L.... ....

    James Taylor has a beautiful voice, everything on this version is technically perfect...but it completely lacks heart and soul.If a computer could sing-this is what it would song like, flawless but totally unemotional, detached. I even think the Michael Stipes (of REM) does a better version in that there is some feeling and emotion in his voice. The master still is Glen Campbell, there is a sense of longing and yearning in his version of the Jimmy Webb classic that this version totally lacks. Sometimes perfection is boring...it's the imperfections that make things (and life) more interesting.

  23. D.... J....

    Campbell's 1968 version evokes lots of memories, great vocal, but the lush string and brass sections and twangy guitar really turn it into a period-piece. So glad to discover this version, which I didn't know about until I searched YT.
    The trees are just icing on the cake. I used to live out West, so thanks for that.

  24. R.... R....

    Great song and well done by James, but Campbell's version was the best. No offense.

    R.... R....

    No offense taken Rob and thanks for checking in.

    R.... R....

    Agree. Glen's version makes me want to cry, and JT's lovely version lacks that soul. Gotta love JT and his cover of this amazing song.

    R.... R....

    I wish we could have this video with Glen Campbell singing but I Love James Taylor ALOT too!

    R.... R....

    Agreed! This to me is the best version..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B49YDR6OMIE

    R.... R....

    Rob, I am going to do you a great favor, I hope. There is a man named Dennis Brown, a legend in Jamaica, who covers this song. His version is wonderfully lush. It is more remarkable because he recorded in when he was 15!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNUkGJNiYWA

    If you are a lover of music, I guarantee you will enjoy it. It stunned me.

    Here it the incredible part, it is light years away from Glen's in feel and sensibility. It is a very different take on the song. I tend to love Glen's version best of all, it brings an existential quality to it that just makes that song ... and it also has that incredible Glen Campbell solo in the middle. But Dennis' version is awesome in its own way.

    I miss Glen.

  25. c.... d....

    xllent version him an glens are both good God Bless glen campbell he has dementia cant even hold a guitar now love ya glen!!!

  26. D.... H....

    Beautiful video, and a beautiful song.  Thanks to Jimmy Webb and everyone that has covered it.  Nice job James.

    D.... H....

    Thanks Doc for visiting The Hammer Works.

  27. B.... R....

    Love the new release by Restless Heart ~ Wichita Lineman...

  28. N.... a....

    I'd love to see a real video with real linemen/women, brutal tough work...

    N.... a....

    Thanks for visiting the channel/

  29. H.... E....

    GEEZ Jan--You could have shown REAL linemen..not some amateurs climbing REAL LIVE trees with boot spikes--then a zipliner? Awful! This kills live trees. Telephone and electrical line poles are DEAD!

    H.... E....

    Thanks Helen for visiting the channel. You are a bit hard on me. I thought this James Taylor version very good.

  30. M.... S....

    go ahead Sweet Baby James!!!

    M.... S....

    Thanks for checking in with us.

  31. A.... A....

    beauty to the max... luv it...

  32. j.... w....

    iam glad you loaded this video back on you tube really like the background video to this song

    j.... w....

    +jay walker Thanks Jay for checking in with us.

    j.... w....

    Can you expand the format to full screen. I like full screen alot better thanks jamie eastern oklahoma. Live this song alot. Jimmy webb elk city ok fine writer

    j.... w....

    +jay walker I'ii see what I can do Jay. I have fond memories of my days in Tulsa.

    j.... w....

    +Jan Hammer i just read you live in colorado thats country is good living just cold tulsa climate is easier in the winter your peace of mind is within you peace be with you there in colorado

  33. T.... ....

    When I was a kid of about twelve I first heard this recording by the great Glen Campbell. He was my guitar hero. Still is in some ways. I religiously watched his T.V. program called, The Glen Campbell Good Time Hour. Even though James Taylor does a more than adequate job of this song, for me no one will ever sing it like Glen Campbell. 

    T.... ....

    Thanks for weighing i9n on the matter. 

  34. S.... E....

    I love James Taylor's voice and he does an excellent job with this song but he doesn't have the soul. I don't get the feeling in the pit of my stomach I get when I listen to Glen Campbell's version. The wonderful base in Glen's version is missing.

    S.... E....

    Thanks Steven for checking in with us and for sharing your thoughts.

  35. M.... L....

    didn't you do a version of this with the mahavishnu orchestra?

    M.... L....

    Thanks Michael for visiting my site. I am not the person you are thinking of.

    M.... L....

    nah, i was just teasin' ya. i can't help myself when the opportunity presents itself. my brain does a process that likes to finish others' sentences, sayings, & statements. it comes from watching too much 60's/70's tv (and 50's reruns) when i was a kid.;) love this version of witch'line' as i ALSO happen to be a HUGE jt fan. he's one of america's MOST tried & true national treasures. his magic comes from an ability to meld his rich, wonderful voice with his inventive & intuitive guitar playing as he fleshes out his method of tension/relief voicings and note-leading, ALL at the SAME time. one of the smartest moves made by macca as the beatles were crumbling & tumbling down...

  36. J.... K....

    Geez this is great, but then so are many of James Taylor's stuff. Yep I know that Glenn Campbell did a fine version, but I love this one too !

    J.... K....

    Thanks John for checking out my site and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

    J.... K....

    @Jan Hammer Jan, I LOVE my music more than you can guess & my ear intuned to my Soul, tells me what I hear is real music, or what I need not lend my ear to. The other to me, is irrelevant. Nice post Bud ! :D 

  37. A.... N....

    absolutely beautiful....i was a lineman for the county, once upon a time

    A.... N....

    Thanks Alan for visiting my site and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

  38. R.... F....

    I just love what James Taylor does with any song.  In a word, heartfelt.

  39. S.... ....

    Great rendition of  Jimmy Webb's famous song that Glen Campbell made into
    a hit in the late 60s....Great aerial  video of the giant redwoods 

    I am a lineman for the county
    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
    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
    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

  40. J.... O....

    This is really great

    J.... O....

    Thanks Jessica for visiting my site and for sharing your thoughts

  41. O.... ....

    looks like fun climbing the tree...

    O.... ....

    Thanks Mike for visiting my site and for your comment.

    O.... ....

    you're welcome :)

  42. K.... M....

    This is beautiful.

    K.... M....

    Thank you Kathryn for visiting my site and for taking the time to comment.

    K.... M....

    Thanks to you et al:)

  43. N.... T....

    I know where you got that video. I found that and used it on something also.

    N.... T....

    But that is not a lineman. Linemen are electricians, not the ones that climb trees and do some kind of pruning.

  44. g.... ....

    Hauntingly Beautiful.  JT and Jim Webb, kind of the same guy in that they have written songs that are timeless and treasures to be enjoyed.  I never get tired of their songs because its a perfect blend of melody and lyrics.  It is true that you need to write 100 songs or ideas to come up with a good one.  I believe these guys write 100 good songs to come up with a great one............where do you get the time guys-hard workers no doubt.  Don't stop, cant wait to here the next great song or discover an old one -thx

    g.... ....

    Thank you for checking out my site and for sharing your thoughts.

  45. a.... j....

    This touches my heart like nothing has ever done before....Stairway to heaven.

    a.... j....

    Thanks Arthur for checking out my site.

  46. t.... ....

    Thanks for posting. JT does it in HIS style. I remember when Glen' s record first came to the radio. It is still very good. Very deep and rich.
    Are you the REAL Jan Hammer, that did Axel F? I was DJocking that promo cut, huge vinyl single in the 80's when it debuted.

    t.... ....

    Thanks for checking out my site and for taking the time to comment. I am the real Jan Hammer just not the one you are referring too.I am a bit older than the one you mention. Like you I enjoy his work but do not post it here in order to avoid confusion. Thanks again.

  47. J.... H....

    Thanks for checking out the site and for taking the time to comment.

  48. J.... H....

    Thanks for checking out the site and for taking the time to comment.

  49. J.... H....

    Thanks for visiting my site and for taking the time to comment, I believe those scenes where actually shot in Canada.

  50. s.... ....

    Thank you Jan Hammer for posting this! I have the CD but when on the computer on my JT playlist it is just convenient and this is one of his best covers!

  51. L.... ....

    I have to disagree with you...Glen Campbells version is more poignant, full of longing.... this is just kind of flat and cold....maybe 'technically' better but it's like computer generated art....no 'heart' to it. Honestly, this is just annoying....and I actually like James Taylor and his voice a lot better than Glen Campbells...but I have to go with Glen on this one.

    L.... ....

    i am a James Taylor fanatic, but there is no emotion in his "reading" of this magnificent song. when i was hanging in the sun in Homestead, or even Hialeah, i never once thought of red wood trees. duh.

    L.... ....

    JT fails to capture the magic of this song. He's a brilliant interpreter but nobody bats a thousand.

  52. J.... H....

    Thank you for visiting my site and for posting your astute comment.

  53. M.... ....

    I understand those who love Glen Campbell and think that his version is the best. I felt the same when Glen did a cover of Jackson Brown's These Days - the original usually is th ebest. However, I have to say that this version of the Jimmy Webb classic really does it for me. The production is superb, and James's voice carries the song very well. I know he struggles with the high notes (having seen him live) but he's developed a technique that gets over that. Thanks Jan for posting.

  54. J.... H....

    No offense taken. It is fun and often illuminating to exchange views and ideas. I appreciate hearing yours.

  55. T.... ....

    Have to disagree with you, Jan Hammer. Glen Campbell and Jim Webb were hand in glove. I always associate the two musicians. Glen Campbell's voice, his guitar playing - well, I have to say that Campbell's voice and guitar chops are superior to James Taylor's singing and playing. Taylor has a nasally voice that can annoy listeners. Not to say that I don't like James Taylor, I do, it's just that I prefer Glen Campbell. I enjoy making comment and do my best not to offend. Just my point of view.

  56. h.... ....

    yo man......WITCHES. are EVERYWHERE...thank you

  57. J.... H....

    Thanks again for checking us out.

  58. J.... H....

    Oops...caught us with our spelling down. Thanks for checking in and setting us right.

  59. J.... H....

    Thank you for visiting my site and for your comment.

  60. J.... H....

    Thanks for checking out my site and for your comment. I like the Campbell version as well but I like this one a bit better. It's just a matter of what floats your boat.

  61. t.... ....

    I like this version very much. Thanks for posting! ...However, having grown up with Glen Campbell, his version is King. I kinda resent Taylor re-doing perfection before Glen is dead. Sorry

  62. J.... H....

    Thanks Scott for checking out the site and for your comment.

  63. J.... H....

    Thank you for checking out my site and for your comment.

  64. G.... ....

    This is one of my top 10 songs all time, I enjoy hearing different versions of this. Glen's is, of course, the definitive and this is OK but I was a little disappointed in this because he just doesn't hit it quite right for me. Sounds like he's trying too hard, Glen's version is so imprinted it's hard not to ape the original and that's what JT's doing, it's not flowing out of him. I'm a fan of JT and when he's not singing self consciously he's one of the best. I'd like to hear him do it acoustic

  65. P.... I....

    i dont agree, it´s not over produced, in fact it is very simple and nice arranged and the musicians did the greatest job ever, this was recorded without any overdubs, they played and sang all together. Such a great vibe! But I agree it´s a matter of taste which version goes into ur heard. Ah i forgot to say, this is one of the greates bands ever: Steve Gatt-drums, Jimmy Johnson-bass, Mike Landau-git and Larry Goldings-keyboard

  66. m.... ....

    I absolutely love this song, and have many different versions in my collection. I agree with what @janhammer39 said, Taylor's version does seem a tad over produced. Of course Glen's version is always going to be the 'most liked' because it was the most popular (biggest hit). That's my favourite too, but I also like some of the lesser known versions including REM's take.