Colin Hay "Wichita Lineman" (Acoustic)

Sit down with Colin for an acoustic performance of “Wichita Lineman,” the Jimmy Webb tune that Glen Campbell popularized and is featured on Colin’s new album “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself.”
“Wichita Lineman” has fascinated me for many reasons. It was a hit for Glen Campbell, yet written by Jimmy Webb, a master songwriter. This was intriguing in and of itself. It contains one of the greatest lines in modern music. (You know which one I’m talking about.)
It was the first song where I realized the importance of the written song, in and of itself. Before that, I had always put artists and songs together, like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, and many others, who all primarily wrote and performed their own songs. ‘Wichita Lineman’ spoke of things I could only wonder at. The geographical vastness of the land, the hopes and dreams of the man working the line, and indeed of all people who inhabit this country. And, a love story contained within achingly beautiful music and melody. I can’t think of a better song.
Out now on Compass Records at bit.ly/IJustDo...
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[@JeffDaytonMusic]

I had the honor of playing that song with Glen at least 4000 times in my 15 years with him... you did him proud Colin. Great sounding guitar too.

[@c.s.4428]

❤️️

[@jamesewanchook2276]

God Bless you and Glen

[@AFuller2020]

How about the writer?

[@katiecroskrey4549]

Hey Jeff! I hope you are well. Great memories of your show in San Diego.

[@Seaby41]

I had the pleasure of singing that song at least 40000 times to me old mate that was a Lineman for the State. (we don't divide our linesman into counties)

[@infoscholar5221]

As a Southerner, I love the way Aussies get Americana music. Colin still has a fine voice. Great job, brother. RIP, Glen.

[@john-i9t4d]

He's Scottish mate.

[@BaxterThewall]

@@john-i9t4d Another one 🙄🙄

[@paulreese3071]

“I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time” 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 That is an all time lyric!!!

[@vader6203]

So melancholy

[@RARenfield]

It is right up there with "this loneliness won't leave me alone."

[@TracySmith-xy9tq]

Yes, that is the line that gets me the most

[@TheChef470]

Amen.....

[@LennyDiPaolo]

Colin Hay has to be one of the most likable characters in music. I’d like to hang with him.

[@lifeurge]

Listen to this fantastic interview and you'll appreciate Colin even more: www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/colin-hay-men-at-work-fame-music-songwriting/13547510

[@jackieguccione94]

Me too

[@culpritcanine6059]

A gem!

[@susanlaurence8745]

Me too, he is amazing

[@macisback9059]

Ross Wilson is pretty cool & humble.. Eagle Rock was the first song i wanted to learn on guitar, even learned it using sheet music.. Skip ahead almost 40 years & i got to meet Ross, told him my story & he got all like shy haha.. I could see he felt proud but he was just so nice & so Humble, told me how he wrote the song, took over a year.. He was just so approachable it was a highlight in my life, he was my music inspiration & so much shorter than i thought he was hahaha..

[@suegray747]

I was a community care worker for your parents for awhile, you are certainly looking like your father as you age, your parents were very proud of you dedicated a whole room full of memorabilia, they were very beautiful, caring people ❤️

[@RH-xs8gz]

Colin has one of the most distinctive voices in the music industry. I’ve loved his voice since the Men at Work days.

[@pcs56]

My father was a lineman. He passed 10 years ago. This song means more than you will ever know. Thank you for this.

[@davidkopec9442]

for the county?

[@richardchalker3465]

My father was a lineman too in Northern Arkansas. It was a hard and dangerous job. This song is special.

[@mdwoods100]

My dad was also a lineman, along with my brother, my uncle and 2 of his sons. Tough hard dangerous work.

[@BanBanChi]

@@mdwoods100 what is a lineman. As a non native English speaker I feel I'm missing something

[@simon9447]

An Australian national treasure is Colin. Very proud to own him!

[@dane3938]

Well he is Scottish. Not Aussie

[@scampymac22]

Yah but lived mostly in Australia as an adult though, no?

[@DustyTail]

Summer of 82 ; , seven of us Hoosiers, couple girls and five guys took a trip to the beach; OBX.. Business As Usual was played prominently and often throughout the 7 day vacation… (Along with Diary Of a Madman) Anyways.. I cannot hear Down By The Sea.. and not be immersed in reminiscing of that time, all those scenes, those 18yr olds living what then seemed like a dream… We were so good Johnny.

[@TonyBurke100]

Colin is a Scot, who emigrated to Australia with his family

[@teebobeebo4667]

He's ours.....😊

[@kenjenks9448]

Tears. Hitchhiking from New Mexico to Idaho in the snow to see my fiance, the daughter of An Idaho Power Lineman working the blizzards. Saving up nickles and dimes to call her from the bar payphone, the different bells for the different coins, panhandling the patrons for another 5 minutes. Hated country music but have this song tattooed on my heart. Thank you for this kind rendition.

[@michaelbitzer6827]

There is a Songwriter in you, @kenjenks. Thanks for your words, they refresh my memories of a thousand road trips for a thousand reasons , wind rain hail and snow sunrises in places never seen before, faces never seen again...

[@grahamewebber4038]

Willin’ by Lowell George 👍✌🏾

[@TheJoehines]

This has to be one of the most gorgeous songs of all time. Such a haunting melody and chord progression.

[@michaelbitzer6827]

A man for all ages, thanks Colin I used to sport a Glen Campbell haircut when the song came out, now interestingly, I sport Colin's look....

[@moon-unit-zappa]

🤣

[@michaelbitzer6827]

@moon-unit-zappa The smile on my face hearing Colin sing is the same smile that grew when I saw the name Moon Unit Zappa. Always wish I'd met that girl....is it really you?🫢

[@lisazinna1694]

Oops! Accidentally hit thumbs down!! No way!!! Totally huge thumbs up!!!!

[@tom3539]

That was funny

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

Colin’s voice is so DISTINCTIVE, there’s not another one like it anywhere in the world! As soon as he starts singing, you know it’s him. He does a FINE job with this song, too!

[@johngastaldo6419]

It’s his vibrato, one of the best

[@Doones51]

The man sings and plays from his soul. You can't ask for more.

[@mbodayle]

Beautiful version of one of the greatest songs of all time.

[@mikite57]

I got to see Jimmy Webb play and sing this solo piano a number of years ago. That was haunting. This version was pretty damned special, too.

[@Sean-oy8xm]

I grew up listening to Glen Campbell. Thanks Colin….beautiful.

[@r8chlletters]

Thank you Colin 🤍 it’s good to see your face and hear your lovely voice

[@Oscartherescuedog]

My late father had this song on a cassette tape and I remember listening to it with him in the car many years ago - miss you dad ❤️

[@culpritcanine6059]

My dad had it on 8-track...miss you dad!

[@davidbrunner1355]

My dad didn't, but I still miss him. Godspeed to yours.

[@culpritcanine6059]

@@davidbrunner1355 Thnks'bro!

[@TheChef470]

Always brings me to tears.......thank you Mr. Hay

[@chrisosti]

Thank you so much Colin. I am so thankful to be alive on this planet at the same time as you!! 😍

[@bradleyburns1959]

Jimmy Webb wrote one of the greatest songs ever and Glen's version will always be the gold standard but Colin's is a close second. By the tiniest of margins. Good on ya, mate.

[@jammick]

Have you heard Jimmy's? Its great

[@tonkaGuy888]

@@jammick I’ve had the incredible experience of hearing Jimmy play it live, several times since 1970 when he began performing regularly. Pretty great, indeed.

[@evank6738]

Check out Jason Faulkner’s version

[@aaronaldrich1546]

Beautiful

[@eristicfreethinker2098]

Johnny A. does a tasty version.

[@edwardhenry3158]

Beautiful Colin absolutely magnificent brilliant one of my all-time favorite songs RIP Glen Campbell

[@jeffreyosborne6747]

You give us older dudes confidence to keep going. Thanks Colin.

[@clbtu1]

Every song that Jimmy Webb writes is a masterpiece.

[@PatrickWard-be7jd]

Heard an interview years ago on NPR with him. He was incredibly critical of his work/music, it was kind of stunning. Maybe that's what drove him to just keep trying to write the "perfect" song...

[@markkarpinski1460]

One of the greatest songs ever, penned,by one of the greatest songwriter’s ever, played and and sung by someone that gives it the passion and grace it deserves? Yes please, I’ll have me some of that! Thank you for fanning the coals of this one Colin.

[@rayohlinger1252]

Absolutely one of my favorites! Songs like this were the soundtrack of my childhood in the 70’s.

[@jim5746]

I think it is the greatest record ever made. Everything about it is perfect, the great lyrics written by Jimmy Webb, the music and of course the golden voice of Glen Campbell, bravo to Colin Hay's version of it !!

[@jeffhale2982]

My Dad was a telephone lineman in California in the 1950s. He loved this song, loved Glen Campbell, and would have loved this version too. Thank you.

[@terrye6853]

A great storyteller, and one of the underrated performers of our time, he found a way to be heard when many in the industry turned their back on him. I don’t know what’s more impressive his musical talent or his refusal to give up.

[@matthewblue7839]

This is a great cover but he didn’t write it: Jim Webb did.

[@terrye6853]

@@matthewblue7839 yes, I get that ,that’s why the album it came from is called, “ Under the Covers”

[@AFuller2020]

Who Jimmy Webb?

[@richardcoffey3125]

If there was a way for me to elevate Colin for the world to hear I would. His music and voice are like a moth to the flame for me. I’ll never in a million years understand why his name and talent are not a household name. My 11 year old is a piano, drums and guitar player. Once a week we sit and listen to a few Colin Haye songs. I want my son to carry on his style or remnants of it through out his life.

[@LadyLegz]

I was lucky enough to see Colin perform in Santa Cruz awhile back. His performance made me cry. I was in the front row. This man is still beautiful.

[@Shaverboy516]

Colin that was simply gorgeous, pure talent, no auto tune, just a guitar and a beautiful voice, makes my day better:-)

[@danhusband6154]

Glen Campbell was one of the absolute GREATEST guitar player/ singer/ artist…full stop!!. Thank you Colin for taking us back to a simpler time!

[@dannymiles6503]

I wish Glen was here to hear this and i know he would be delighted. Every word Colin sings here has real feeling to it.

[@BeachLife66]

I bet Glen would love this version.

[@parkerottoackley5587]

In this hectic world,,, the song is like the peaceful ease of a valium. Thank you Sir

[@martincollins3221]

What a song. Love that guitar and Colins voice.

[@solreinecke6084]

My dad used to talk about this song, never got to listen to it with him, so - thank you sir.

[@parrotheadstx]

Thank you Colin Hay for doing this. I am 62 - and know your voice well from all of my years having been a fan. This was my fathers favorite song by GC - and you did it justice in a big way. Thank you for bringing this to us all. Grateful in San Antonio, Texas.

[@andybasic1761]

Beautiful song done with great heart. Has there ever been a more romantic lyric than "I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time"

[@SvenGold]

So magical!. I remember listening to this perfect cover amidst the covid pandemic one evening in tears.

[@debrazielke1702]

My very first 45 record was Wichita Lineman and I played it over and over. Thanks Colin, this is beautiful.

[@265TEE]

One of the greatest songs ever written.❤

[@36058]

Beautiful. Thank you Colin and Jim Webb, one of the greatest song writers of the past century.

[@wesleybond9947]

He kills it. The restraint is perfect. Thanks Colin

[@PatrickMacLachlan]

Oh my god…what a beautiful convergence. One of my favourite songs ever by one of my favourite singers…

[@SouthernFried]

I'll just leave this comment here so that when someone likes or reacts to this comment I'll be reminded of this Moment

[@sharksport01]

👋

[@MissJensk1]

Happy to oblige! 😊🎵

[@rmrmlcy8906]

brilliant!

[@danhutchinson8649]

I'm always mesmerized by Colin's guitar mastery, but his voice, his voice....Awesome is an insufficient word. I don't have the vocabulary to describe it. Should be declared a National Treasure!

[@Shaverboy516]

Well said, totally agree, we are so lucky to have Colin:)

[@morton228]

For which country, he’s lived in a few.

[@kenwilliams5513]

One of the great voices in Rock/Pop music.

[@robharris6874]

It`s all in the timing !!

[@Lobishomem]

First song of Colin’s I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. This song always moved me from it’s original release but this was a real surprise. Looking forward to checking his other songs. As a guitar player myself it’s inspiring. Thanks Colin!

[@Tune-O-matic]

Rated as one of the best songs ever written..

[@WS3RD]

Absolutely.

[@rosco1pug]

aside from Jimmy Webb's own rendition, to me the most memorably creative take of all time is Leo De Castro's from back in the 70s. Now Colin Hay has delivered something truly fine and new to the life of this wonderful song! And the sound of that Gibson is just beautiful in Colin's hands.

[@grantfreeman460]

Sipping scotch on ice contemplating life with my favourite artist playing in the background……… pure gold …

[@azcharlie2009]

This song and one other, Galveston, kept me sane while I was in the military.... Wondering when, or if, I'd be sent to Vietnam... God bless Glenn and Jimmy for capturing the feeling of those times.

[@kitkat7517]

Wichita Lineman and Galveston are two of the best songs every written and sung! No body could sing them like Glen Campbell. EVER!!! Some times out of the blue I will ask Alexa to play them along with "little one" too! I am a 64 year old white woman who listened to the records of my mom who is 85 while growing up!

[@jimabs3317]

My two favorite songs Glen Campbell songs also.

[@markhesse2928]

What a wonderful rendering of this song-probably the best cover of it that I’ve heard.

[@yonkel0]

Check out Glen Campbell solo on a tv show about 8:45 minutes in...Fantastic playing kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nJf4d7npd2f8U

[@ClintScottFischer]

As a guitar player and singer myself, it's like the Dad I never had sitting down and showing me everything I had to learn on my own. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@1212sman]

A romantic song about .... electricians. Outstanding rendering.

[@Zone9Rock]

Thank you Colin for changing the terrain of my life, for so many years, for the better!

[@Feather4Luv]

Pure Gold glad to have Colin around reminding us of what real music was back in the day.....Thanks for making our life of music so smooth and easy!!

[@sheldonlevine6187]

Can't stop listening to the new album of covers .......

[@jwolf1716]

Beautiful. “And I need you more than want you And I want you for all time” One of the best love lyrics ever. I loved this song when I first heard it as s as kid. Will always love it.

[@tanatekii2460]

Seeing this brought back good memories of men at Work , great music , a Australian icon...as Far as I'm concerned ♥️♥️♥️♥️...... Perth Australia

[@carnivalmind7511]

Now this is one of the greatest songs of all time … played by one of the greatest performers of all time … acoustic magic! Now we can all enjoy this little piece of musical gold as a tonic to any bad vibes the world sends our way ❤️ Thanks Colin, you’re the greatest! Carnival Mind is waiting So come on and join Carnival Mind

[@zuke55]

As a musician myself, I'm always a little snobby at people's performances on KZbin, especially favorite material of mine.. But this absolutely mesmerizing.. He captures the essense of that song perfectly... Such as great talent and performer.. THANK YOU, COLIN!

[@gnawbabygnaw]

I love everything I’ve ever heard come from Colin’s fingers and voice. ❤

[@staceylein1877]

Ahhh Colin, the guitar, your voice. Just what I needed on this happy Monday.

[@evolving66]

Jimmy Webb, thank you for writing such a wonderful song! Great to hear Colin Hay cover it so well.

[@williammills3632]

Damn... I've heard alot of people cover this classic. But only Glenn and yourself make me emotional singing it. Thank you 🙏

[@paulbonner582]

What are truly beautiful rendition of this great song.. l,in the last year lost my ability to play guitar with a hand injury to my left hand. To hear Colin play so beautifully lifted my spirit. He is one of very few players on Earth to play and sing to the extreme highest level...

[@lebarosky]

I started crying after the first few bars. Thank you so much.

[@tedium37]

Imho this is one of the most difficult songs to make sound beautiful. Another masterful cover by the legendary troubadour.

[@87758]

What a beautiful rendition Colin. Thank you for continuing to share your talent with us. Blessings!

[@cosmicsunbeams]

♥️ Beautiful,such a Cool Song!

[@simonleslie3607]

Quite simply one of the greatest songs ever written 👏👏. Love this cover

[@christinaford1801]

Great version of this classic. It is one of the best songs ever. So looking forward to seeing Colin in concert in just a few weeks.

[@vallanddess]

What a wonderful version, and treatment of the solo.

[@bismillahrabbani9006]

Thank you Colin for singing one of my all time favorites. 🌸🪷🌸

[@jcmsimone7501]

Absolutely amazing cover of one of my favorite Glen Campbell songs and I am sure he is smiling down on you for this wonderful tribute. Thanks so much for sharing! :)

[@larrymiller4]

Got to love your distinctive voice and delivery. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time."

[@miscellaneousHandle]

"It contains one of the greatest lines in modern music. (You know which one I’m talking about.)" I feel the exact same way. Still sends a shiver down the spine.

[@edjo487]

You are a a legend Colin! Glen would love this version!

[@charlesbarrett9532]

What a nice cover indeed. Get back round Atlanta and we’ll be shouting “Wichita Lineman, Colin!” Along with “Send Somebody, Colin!”

[@-davidolivares]

Thank you Colin, that was heartbreakingly beautiful, as should be.

[@glendoggett9670]

“I just don’t know what to do with myself.”Please keep sharing your beautiful music with the world. Thanks for this one!

[@glennanderson9947]

and I need you more than want you... I had the honor of meeting Jimmy Webb and hearing him play this achingly beautiful perfect song, accompanied by grand piano. Beautiful rendition sir.

[@tbeau5748]

Beautiful melody. They don't write 'em like that anymore. Song really suits Colin's voice.

[@crshia]

Covid has been horrible, but the best outcome so far is being able to sit in the living room with great musicians and experiencing them one-on-one. Thank you, Colin! Your voice is always a home coming.

[@nealfig]

Great song performed brilliantly. Thank you.

[@disturbedcarrot]

Lovely arrangement, like honey! The sound from that guitar is amazing!

[@Postmortumaz]

I love this guy. I was little 7th grader at a catholic school in California when first heard Colin's music.

[@duncanburns9197]

Colin knows how to emulate this wonderful melancholic song to his unique rendition style. Great stuff, thanks Colin and thanks Glen.

[@SpiritsOfAnotherDay]

Such a great performance of this song, Colin✨Glen would highly approve - Such a great song, loved when they played it all the time on the radio in the late 60’s early 1970’s! One the absolute best of that era… and forever on the line.

[@lawrencewittig9004]

Colin you are a treasure... i hope to hear your voice for a long time... best wishes and a long life to ya and yours

[@DaveDraperGuitar]

I was nine years old when Glen Campbell's mega-hit version of this song hit the charts, and it is of course a classic of the American songbook. But I never truly appreciated it until seeing this rendition yesterday. And I will also admit that I was never a fan of Men At Work, and thus unfamiliar with Mr. Hay's identity - I just stumbled across this clip. This performance is nothing short of a revelation. The spare arrangement with solo guitar and Mr. Hay's lovely singing just struck me to my core and brought tears to my eyes. Things in life have all my emotions right at the surface these days, and watching this opened those floodgates. Thank you, thank you Mr. Hay for bringing this amazing song back to life for me. I am a decent guitarist, but I reckon this one is probably beyond me - but I also reckon I have to give it a go. 🙂And I am sharing this with all my music friends...

[@guyb7005]

one of those singers with an unmistakably unique and wonderful voices

[@mytide46]

One of my favorite musicians and one of my favorite songs .. what a gift!! ❤️❤️

[@TJB-lj3op]

THAT is exactly how you honor the songwriter and original performer of one of the greatest songs ever written. Thank you, Colin.

[@2zxodcfm]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Not always receiving tbe performance justice it warrants.But here Colin delivers a top shelf rendition. Love the rich guitar as well

[@michaelsonmenage7742]

@ColinHayOfficial :: Colin, thanks for posting and for all of your work. This song is #1 for my 64 years, and your rendition of it is truly outstanding. I actually consider it a spiritual, and when I listen, I think of the Holy Spirit as God's (!) 'Wichita Lineman'. Thanks for all that you do! 💯🌞🏅🌃💯

[@metalfaceoff945]

I am a millennial and "discovered" Glen Campbell in August 2020. His voice and guitar playing were phenomenal. Colin's version is also nice and relaxing.

[@jchis9852]

Tastefully done Colin! Two thumbs up for you lad. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@sv2wheels440]

Great job being you. Thank you Colin. Good, clean guitar playing.

[@ziastateofmind]

My mind is bending backwards and forwards through musical genres and decades as my 40th high school reunion and the MAW soundtrack approaches. So much love for this. ❤

[@txcrna]

Wow! Takes me back and sends me in new directions. Love it!

[@bugsy3333]

Super sweet. A much more complicated pop tune, written by a great writer, than many of us even realized.