Uploaded October 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Songwriter Jimmy Webb's writing inspiration for "Wichita Lineman" came while driving through Washita County (possibly Country Road 152) in rural southwestern Oklahoma. As he drove past a seemingly endless line of telephone poles, he noticed the silhouette of a solitary county lineman atop a pole with his phone in hand and wondered what it would be like if he were in his place. Recorded in 1968 by well-known country music artist Glen Campbell(R.I.P. - 2017), who worked with Webb on the song, preferred using "Wichita" instead of "Washita" because it "sings" better. Campbell once mentioned that the song also refers to Webb's first love affair with a woman that didn't work out. The song reached the #3 on the US Billboard 100 chart, topped the American country music chart, and was certified gold in 1969. Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time ranked the song at #195. During his career, Glen Campbell has scored many top chart placements, and won numerous recording awards in both country and pop categories.
Songwriter Jimmy Webb's writing inspiration for "Wichita Lineman" came while driving through Washita County (possibly Country Road 152) in rural southwestern Oklahoma. As he drove past a seemingly endless line of telephone poles, he noticed the silhouette of a solitary county lineman atop a pole with his phone in hand and wondered what it would be like if he were in his place. Recorded in 1968 by well-known country music artist Glen Campbell(R.I.P. - 2017), who worked with Webb on the song, preferred using "Wichita" instead of "Washita" because it "sings" better. Campbell once mentioned that the song also refers to Webb's first love affair with a woman that didn't work out. The song reached the #3 on the US Billboard 100 chart, topped the American country music chart, and was certified gold in 1969. Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time ranked the song at #195. During his career, Glen Campbell has scored many top chart placements, and won numerous recording awards in both country and pop categories.
