Jimmy Webb on Writing His Most Famous Song

[@rickbeato2]

Full Interview Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGnTg353nLKUhpYsi=efTUAk24bqJ4avJd

[@edge1289]

As a Power Lineman for more decades than I care to count, I and my fellow linemen thought this song was pure cornball. All these years later I come to realize what a beautiful piece of music this is. “Lineman” is one of the greatest songs ever written. And that lyric “And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time” is simply gorgeous. Thank you Jimmy and Glen!

[@aquamarine_nz2296]

That one line is really something.

[@migaudiblenofourdigitbullshit]

Faint homosexual implications in the lyrics.

[@edge1289]

@@migaudiblenofourdigitbullshit hmmm, how so?

[@Bloopsan]

@@migaudiblenofourdigitbullshit that's what blue collar work is all about

[@sailorr4287]

@@aquamarine_nz2296, @edge1289 the first verse couplet i find so moving, touching, tactile, relatable… “I hear you singing in the wire. I can hear you thru the whine”

[@tomlynntigard]

When you visualize those power wires on the main road, "and I want you for all time" ...those modern power lines slowly fade into telegraph lines. I don't know if Mr. Webb knew what he was adding there at the time, but it sounded like Morse code and made the song an experience; and the beauty of it still brings tears today.

[@-.Steven]

One of the greatest songs ever written and recorded! ❤

[@leighchapman5253]

@@-.Steven yes, the organ sounds

[@MrDuds1984]

It’s one of the greatest songs ever written

[@jeffclark7888]

The most-played song in the history of pop radio. With “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, “Yesterday”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Never My Love”.

[@annettekjoy]

Yes it is a beautiful song.

[@danielconnolly8565]

It sure is

[@RobertBroatch-dc5qw]

Dylan thought so

[@jeffclark7888]

@@RobertBroatch-dc5qw Did he?

[@JohnGatesIII]

I don't know if this Level of Musician/Songwriter (Along with Burt Bacharach) will ever come around again. I love the fact that he was not only an accomplished musician/songwriter, but that he knew and respected his PEERS so heavily. My dad played with Burt Bacharach for a couple of years. Out of all the music he played in his career, the only piece of music he had Framed was Promises, Promises by Burt. It literally goes from 2/4 to 3/4 to 4/4 to 5/8 to 6//4 to 3/8 to 4/8 and over and back and around again. Each measure has it's own time signature (vs. Bar). Jimmy and Burt were not only musical geniuses of their time, but for ALL time.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Sinatra said - “Bacharach writes in hat sizes.”

[@arlingtonhynes]

It won’t be back on any realistic time scale. Maybe in a couple thousand years we’ll get another golden age.

[@lilblackduc7312]

I have to say first, growing up in the 1960s, I strongly disliked almost anything Burt Bacharach had a hand in. But, and a huge "But", one artist who could perform his work that I liked was Dionne Warwick. If she performed something of his, chances are, I still like it today! So, when you mentioned, "Promises, Promises", instantly the song began playing in my head. Strange how that works...📻 🎼🎵🎶

[@danielcombs3207]

It’s so glad that I had the privilege of growing up during such a great period of time when so much incredible music was made. My children love their music but I gave them the opportunity to hear music that I grew up loving. And they enjoy it too. My taste is broader because I also love older country, bluegrass, blues, reggae and jazz . I don’t enjoy current pop and I don’t enjoy rap. But that’s alright because it’s for a younger generation.

[@captainkoo]

Thank you, John , for that tribute to these master songwriters ! They were both inventive and could write melodic lines . Their arranging talents were off the charts .

[@vinskeeter]

I've always loved this beautiful song.

[@ScottsdaleSushi]

I remember listening to it over & over as I got ready for my first day in Junior High! I will never forget it - makes me want to plug in a set of hot rollers to do my hair, LOL. I swear - I grew up with the BEST MUSIC ever created....such a variety of everything.

[@nanacathunt]

I am 58.. but every single time I hear WL I am 6, sitting in the backseat of my Dads 70's model yellow Ford Fairlane. We are going down some road in Asheville NC in the early 70's and I see out my rear right passenger seat tall apartment bldgs and business bldgs as the sun is setting behind them. Safe in the car with Daddy driving while this beautiful song etched itself into my memory and life.

[@robross180]

I'm 65, and your comment made me cry. I remember a similar experience with my Dad; driving at night with the radio playing Roy Orbison.

[@donovanjones4175]

Up here in Canada, going across the land in my dad’s 18 wheeler, the Glen Campbell on 8 track. Etched in my memory from age 7.

[@junecahill5715]

And I am 10, living in KS - either getting ready for school or at night, with my Dad driving us home to Harper (pop 1200) from a day in the 'big city' of Wichita (we're in a metallic blue '66 LTD). I'm glad to see I'm not the only 'sap' with tears when I hear this. So very blessed to be born in America in the late 50s.

[@griffin2263]

my husband had a 68 ford fairlane he kept that car till 1996

[@eg4449]

Yes, all those amazing drives in the car with Dad. Wichita Lineman, & so many more that mark a true memory. It was always riding in the car.

[@kidmarine7329]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Thank you Jimmy and Glen.

[@markmm1066]

One of the most beautiful songs ever composed. Amazing talent.

[@msr1116]

This one, Memories from the '68 Comeback Special and Streisand's Evergreen all make me tear up.

[@emanuelmota7217]

The chord progression is stunningly beautiful.

[@peterrosenberg3820]

Hearing Jimmy play a few bars on the piano brought tears to my eyes.

[@Porsche996driver]

Yup!

[@-Luka-Brazi]

Can you prove it?

[@georgemanka]

100 %

[@peterm1826]

Nope

[@-Luka-Brazi]

@@peterrosenberg3820 - Sheesh! As long as it wasn’t the god awful “Macarthur Park”!

[@dhornjr1]

Arguably the greatest line ever in a song. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time."

[@Odo55]

Sounds damn selfish❗

[@tracyisbest]

Yeh! Yeah, DAMN arguable. Espec. if you think the greatest line in a song came in a hillbilly song called Wichita Lineman. But to each their own, I suppose.

[@HowardKirkpatrick]

Very arguable as Webb has said he would have cut it if he had more time because it doesn’t make sense

[@mguest3309]

@@tracyisbest "Hillbilly"? Hardly. Contemporary Classic is more befitting but as you say..to each their own. In fact Glem said it was the most played song on country radio for the entire millenium.

[@austenj4539]

The worst line that could have easily have been correctly if the line continued with ... "And I NEED you for all time." instead of "I WANT you for all time." I loathe this original lyric.

[@dwightrobertson275]

I'm still overwhelmed to tears,when I listen to this song(At 67).Thank you Jimmy Webb,Thank you Glen!

[@bobareebop]

68 here and right there with you, Dwight.

[@fiddlefolk]

I lived on a dirt road in the country in the Texas Panhandle. When I was a kid, I walked that road a lot and I remember how the power lines would make a noise almost singing. This great song makes me think of home and those high line wires. Thank you Jimmy Webb!

[@harperwelch5147]

What a sweet thing to share. Thx.

[@kathleenphillips6445]

those times are gone but what a poignant memory. I love this song.

[@giovanna722]

I had a singing group in the 60's, and we played in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I remember this enchanting song was all over the radio at the time. I used to go for long walks in the prairie, past telephone poles with "singing wires". I'll never forget it.

[@chrisphillips8480]

My family lived on the Canadian in between Stinnett and Borger….long live the panhandle!

[@fiddlefolk]

@@chrisphillips8480 I played in a country band in college. We played the renegade club on the fritch hwy outside of Borger. Love the panhandle. I grew up between Littlefield and Levelland at a place called Whitharral!

[@50freeport]

Thank you, Rick. Jimmy is one of my absolute favorite composers. This interview should be placed in a time capsule.

[@peterlaws1653]

yes exactly

[@MarcosDinnerstein]

Rick’s time capsule grows bigger by the day.

[@joedorseymusic]

When the song structure follows the heart of the lyric. The progression never lands on the tonic chord of F and the Lineman is perpetually longing for home. Beautiful.

[@BradCarlMusic]

One of the greatest songs ever written. No one writes like this anymore.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Even this makes me weep. What a song. What a songwriter.

[@briggsquantum]

Yes, me too. Pure evocative music.

[@hoborock007]

​@@briggsquantum ... evocative.. that's a good word

[@HBSuccess]

GOAT. One of the absolute greatest. Even if you’re not into his genre or into Glen (who was tragically under-appreciated as a real musician) he has still contributed something amazing to the American experience.

[@kelrogers8480]

Glen was not underrated.

[@macdaddybill]

I feel your right, I am 61 and his music was ok as a kid but I was into other rock music at the time. And when I began working in Country radio in 84 I started to learn more about these artists and songs and came to love them all. Then when I watched the Wrecking Crew Documentary a number of years ago I realized how great all these people were.

[@SheepWhoNeedsShepherd]

Agreed about both Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell. And GC even played the Bagpipes. They’re both so talented. 🎶

[@dianehunter1270]

A really great song.

[@Dina-nm1nx]

@@macdaddybill Excuse yourself! Jimmy's music was ALWAYS gorgeous. Period. (Whether or not some kid could appreciate that). Look at ALL the "trending" young people who call Rap "Music", when it is NOT---it is NOISE. Period.

[@broncodeviltexas]

I love stories about how great songs come to be.

[@whychromosomesmusic5766]

Jimmy Webb, Burt Bacharach, Paul Simon and Holland-Dozier-Holland were pretty much the soundtrack of my childhood in suburban Chicago in the 1960s.

[@micheleparker3780]

ME TOO!!! Chicago in the 1960's!!!!❤

[@whychromosomesmusic5766]

@@micheleparker3780 In our case actually DuPage County ;-) I remember in Wood Dale there was a house on the street behind our house and a garage band played in the garage. I've always wondered if they ever "made it" and who they might have been. I was only 7 or 8 when we lived there so too young to truly understand "rock" music at that time. A little trivia about our area. I've met comedian Asif Ali and he is also from Bensenville. Talk about a small world! ;-)

[@jamescurran9002]

Don't forget Laura Nyro

[@whychromosomesmusic5766]

@@jamescurran9002 Yeah good point. I also remember Melanie when we lived in Woodstock, Illinois and I honestly think I had a crush on her and I was only about ten years old! lol I also wondered why somebody made a movie about our town because they had those movie posters for "Woodstock" up. ;-)

[@ruthgallagher1168]

And, for me, Carol King

[@akdm82]

Jimmy Webb is a genius and a treasure. Wichita Lineman is one of the greatest songs of all time in my book.

[@Steve-n7t]

If not the greatest of all!

[@johnpick8336]

Rick congratulations YOU ARE the modern music historian. Thank you for these priceless historical musician interviews.

[@paulsavio6846]

Rick you are sooo fortunate to be there live. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!

[@jpsned]

Jimmy also wrote "Up--Up and Away" for the 5th Dimension. More great chords and progressions simply oozing from that one!

[@vanislefan]

What luscious , penetrating chords these great song writers creat(ed) to make their works so memorable and in touch with the soul. 50 years later they resonateas they did the first time I listened to them.

[@Larry-go8bg]

Bob Dylan described Wichita Lineman as one of the greatest songs ever written l think that sais it all about who Jimmy Webb was and the caliber of song writer he is definitely one of the best.

[@vickiguay1583]

Wichita Lineman transcends the moment and takes me back to a place where I live no time and no place. And that’s where I want to stay. The song ends and I’m thrust into my daily grind. Great songs help us escape from our daily reality. Simply magic thank you Mr Webb

[@jennifernelson7235]

My grandpa was actually a lineman in Wichita, where he lived most of his life. Beautiful song.

[@charickter]

Wow. Absolutely amazing. Thank you, Rick, for bringing us closer to these geniuses and the art they created.

[@EclecticInstinct]

Agree 100%.

[@timothyryan6018]

I remember crying like little girl when I first heard Witchita Lineman age 10. Truly great song

[@Porsche996driver]

We must be about the same age ha. Yes I remember this on the AM radio in a Ford Country Squire ha.

[@Lorib19592]

Me too

[@dereklarsen]

@@Lorib19592 especially when i try to sing along...the lyric and melody in that harmonic context chokes me up every time

[@ChrisBCartagena]

I met Jimmy checking him out of hotel at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in about 76,., a real gentleman!

[@Vejur9000]

This song just cuts right through you. Unspeakable longing, loneliness and need. Haunting, as it is beautiful.

[@lennylehnertz]

Absolutely killer chords and melody. Beautiful.

[@doniellestenson3502]

Could listen to Webb play forever Brilliant composer & pianist

[@modalities]

Rick, your interviews catalog historical musicians, singers, songwriters, and more. Wichita Lineman gives me an emotional response, even after 100+ times of listening. Jimmy provides such a great background.

[@bobboberson2024]

Excellent, Rick. This was an awesome interview. Lineman is a beautiful song. Lots of good info here.

[@karenobrien82756]

One of my all time favorite songs….just gorgeous

[@jodyvanliew2514]

Jimmy Webb wrote some monster songs for all time . One of my favorite songwriters .

[@Dogtagnan]

I could listen to the conversation and the playing all night

[@yapyap66]

I needn't repeat the fact that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever, It's crazy how I always see the Telstar satellite go overhead when I hear that beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep part of the song even though I have never seen that old satellite, Jimmy is also a painter who uses our mind as his canvas

[@smurf902]

I never realized he wrote this. MacArthur Park bridge is one of the most gorgeous pieces of a song ever.

[@garymaidman625]

He also wrote The Highwayman.

[@hoborock007]

​@@garymaidman625 ... I keep forgetting that.. amazing

[@vincentcupo9004]

My favorite song ! The drummer switches from brushes to sticks for that great ending! Those French Horns behind the guitar solo!

[@jeffreymiller9808]

Such a beautiful Song, one of my Dad’s favorite ✝️💕. Makes me cry every time I hear it now…❤. Loved the Bacharach/ Warwick compositions as well..

[@rayboish]

I was only a kid of 11yrs old when I first heard Wichita Lineman and instinctively knew it was a great song, and I haven't changed my mind since and I am now 67yrs old.

[@Juliaflo]

Glen Campbell's Jimmy Webb trifecta: By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Galveston, Wichita Lineman.

[@rooftopcat1785]

A nice three surly, where's the playground suzy can be an extra.

[@bernardbaker6803]

Galveston is pretty naff!...........

[@bengorman1048]

I can say, with no hesitation or any doubt that if I were to only be allowed to listen to one song for the rest of my life, even in loop, Wichita Lineman is THE song. I could never tire of it. Ever. It simply tells a story that I can imagine and it simply touches the soul. Deeply. Just a brilliant, beautiful song. Thank goodness for Jimmy Webb and for the brilliance of the late Glen Campbell.

[@TSGEnt]

1:03 OMG! That is beautiful. Thank you Jimmy for making that record!

[@thepatshowonwp]

This song is one of if not THE most perfect songs ever written. Sonically, lyrically, melodically it hits on every level. I listen to it when I'm in a certain mood and I find something different every time I hear it. The atmosphere, the mood of the song just envelopes the listener and takes you to that stretch of highway, hot, stark and lonely and we eavesdrop on the thoughts of the lineman as he goes about his job checking the lines. Just a beautiful song all the way around.♥️💯

[@Porsche996driver]

Now I know why Jimmy Webb is on the credits for “organ” - so much more to the story! Love him on the piano - so beautiful! ✨ Plus Burt and Walk on By sung by peerless Dionne Warwick in January 1964. How much timeless goodness in these songs!

[@jerryrichmond4707]

Besides being well written, the lush musical arrangement and musicianship, capped by the simulation of the "whine" sound of the wires and then, Glenn's awesome vocal, makes for one of the greatest songs in recording history. The Wrecking Crew at their finest!

[@WendiBloomenthal]

One of my favourite songs of all time .

[@RedWolf17]

Whenever I hear this song I find myself longing for more…so I play it on repeat. I wore the 45 out as a kid. Conjures up beautiful memories. Masterpiece!!🐾

[@crewmax4240]

Can't think of two guys who could analyze of the songs of our lives any better than these two.

[@Steven66b]

Excellent interview. Tremendous insight on describing chromatic qualities and their impact on songs in the latter half of the century.

[@williamwingert2340]

Such a beautiful song. It manages to tug at your heart all the way through. I love one of the things I read about it. I think it may have been in Jimmy's book that he mentions, but anyway, someone describes it like this. It never goes home, always wandering. It starts on F but never goes back. And something else joins my thoughts about this from a book by Schopenhauer (I think?) that says that once the tonic has been firmly established it exerts an irresistible force of attraction on all the other notes so that they want to, need to resolve eventually into it. I think that may explain why this song is so haunting and relevant.

[@EixtremeDrummer]

I'd never heard such an amazing song before watching the Rick's video talking about the greatest country song. Thank you!

[@juanchiappe5190]

Thank you for sharing such an interesting interview with such a gentleman and musical genius.

[@davidserlin8097]

I would’ve watched this if you’d had a 30-second conversation with Jimmy Webb. The fact that you got him to reveal some of the secrets of one of the great songs of the 20th century AND play “Walk On By” is an accomplishment of extraordinary proportions. Thank you.❤

[@peachyllama722]

This is one of those songs i don't mind being stuck in my head for days

[@randythompson1436]

I really love these short segments… they help me to catch up on episodes I somehow missed. I went back and watched the Full interview with Jimmy Webb after the short... Really, Really Good Stuff!

[@PhotoTrekr]

What a pleasure to hear Jimmy Webb and this music again.

[@intsccents]

Rick it wasnt long ago that i started to like this song but your interview with Jimmy Web playing his song just blew me away such a talened guy....

[@mpinnymusic]

Absolutely love Wichita Lineman!

[@emilyeaton-q1y]

The most beautiful song of all time.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

As a non-musician, I didn't get it either.

[@SMtWalkerS]

Wichita Lineman holds up, like few other songs. Still so entrancing and classic. And about a working man, thinking about his work and his love.

[@PlumpElk]

How does this only have 16k views? This is incredible!

[@johnmc3862]

The full video has nearly 700'000. 😊

[@jrnumex9286]

lineman too hard of work now

[@quietstorm9866]

I was 15 when this came out. Still the best song that always feels good. A massive time stamp of my teen years. How we were so lucky to grow up in the 60s and 70s. Best ballads ever. All genre's.

[@GaryBook]

I met Jimmy a number of times, he is always delightful.

[@brucetowell3432]

At his Cabaret shows?? I've probably seen him doing shows about 8 or 9 times or so over the past 26 years..and he always has his "meet and greets' after the shows. My most memorable show was him and Glen together think it was at Feinstein's in NYC. Jimmy really listens to questions and spends quality time chasing, just a warm gracious person...has to be one of my favorite composers of all time.

[@nealo814]

Just amazing. Classic song from a classic era

[@chopperking007]

I was a radio linesman in my 20s across Australia...remote area projects....got lonely out there....that song haunts me but it's great...

[@daverogers3566]

Always in my top 5 songs. Loved hearing these two guys reeling off the names of those beautiful chords. And their appreciation of George Martin and Bacharach.

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

This interview was absolutely pure gold. The thoughts and insights from the writer of one of the greatest pop songs ever composed is truly amazing to hear. His deep respect for the genius of Burt Bacharach and of course George Martin shows he knew who was leading the way in brilliant song writing in his day. And Jimmy Webb joins those two in the pantheon of the all time greats.

[@lazlomattachine8334]

Great interview- I love how excited he is to discuss his thinking behind a timeless song. The piano here is top flight, too

[@hollyjollyjunk7616]

My favorite line in a song forever, our of all the songs, I need you more than want you and I want you for all time.!!!

[@paulburchell1762]

Witchita lineman...The mist beautiful song I ever heard....arrangement and chords are spinetingling

[@1rwjwith]

So brilliant….starts out with one of the greatest songs ever❤️

[@JonHareGames]

Such masterful songwriting... simply beautiful chords

[@PatriciaPerry-g1i]

Webb's touch on the piano phenomenal. He's soft, sharp, penetrating, powerful, lovely and a tremendous sonwriter.

[@PeterCaudwell]

I heard this song for the first time a few days ago and became bewitched. It is simply perfect. So glad to find this video, thank you Rick and of course Jimmy Webb.

[@MariettaTrent]

Lovely thank you Jimmy Webb so talented and you know what? I love that song sometimes I cry over it, thinking of an ex, Joe, one of Glenn's greatest

[@gospeltruthtv]

I love listening to Jimmy Web break down composition & I love Rick, with his incredible knowledge of music, as a sounding board!

[@bettersteps]

I own a Gulbransen baby grand piano. She'a beauty. It feels and sounds like a piano three times the price. The Gulbransen and my Korg T3 are two of the best "things" I ever purchased. ....and my MK6 2013 manual 2dr GTI. Not an instrument but MAN is it fun to drive. No regrets. Rock on Rick.

[@tenboom9043]

I had heard of him so often. Glad for the chance to learn more about him.

[@brucew.5177]

I Love Jimmy's stories ... His concerts are much like this interview ; you just feel like you're sitting around a friends house listening to his life's story . What a life . What Great music .

[@jimrowe4177]

A true masterpiece. Backed up by a full orchestra it's amazing.

[@1965RonnieP]

One of the best songs of all time

[@rickstclair2217]

all songwriters, lyricysts, are in another world, am so envious

[@tapestry6455]

Its amazing how sounds come together, that song always makes me cry.

[@PaulWalton-o3h]

What an interview Rick, an absolutely incredible insight into the mind of a genius.

[@KarlHalliday-q6j]

Thank you for the great interview with Jimmy Webb.

[@dave9351]

This song, along with "Everybody's talking" by Harry Neilson are two of the most incredible songs ever recorded ! Thank you so much for "Wichita Lineman" for adding so much to my life ! Damn, every time these songs are played on the radio or TV... I stop... my eyes tear up... memories ?

[@seekinghim1272]

Both of these songs remind me so much of my precious deceased Dad. Precious times with him. Love both of these. Great music back then.

[@brookdfolgarait5015]

By far one of the most beautiful children progression ever written

[@brookdfolgarait5015]

Chord* not children

[@AaronWbirdman]

Thank you Rick for this! JW has always been my favorite composer. And what a gentleman. When my beloved cousin died young I was listening to Highway Men and the theme of reincarnation hit me hard. I wrote JW to thank him for the song and how it emotionally affected me. And he wrote me back thanking me! Wow…. Can’t wait to watch whole interview.

[@seneca451]

Sinatra was a great admierer of Jimmy as well. I need to watch the full interview becuase those lyrics are, imo, so beautiful and clear, yet enigmatic and layered. Sheer brilliance.

[@Hagg-o-tron]

I'm not ashamed to say I weep like a child every time i hear this song. It's so hauntingly beautiful, and somehow taps into something very deep in my soul, about being separated and yearning for your loved ones... Some of which have long departed us.

[@McBain-qe2jh]

These guys are/were melody makers at its finest.

[@S.JerseyJim]

This man wrote the songs on the album A Tramp Shining sung by Richard Harris. My absolute favorite childhood album my parents played. Brilliant

[@mikeyohe4750]

One of the greatest all time albums. A who’s who of LA session musicians. And the most costly to record ever at the time (I heard $300k). Superb songs and musicianship - a veritable feast for the ears! 👍👍

[@byroncrump4390]

Thank you Rick for capturing this on video for us all for posterity a real living legend

[@johnmc3862]

I’m getting it now, there’s nothing like a piano to paint musical pictures and colours in your mind and there’s no better man to do it than Jimmy Webb. 4:02