A masterpiece of songwriting. The imagery has not diminished since I heard it over 45 years ago. It has some kind of strange magic. A true gift to us all and my life in particular.
This is the WICHITAwesomest song, destined to be inscribed in the annals of music history in a prominent position. It has already proved it has shelf-life and continuing relevance - and that is our objective perception of the situation. The story of its inception makes it all the more interesting. It will move hearts 200 years from now.
Jimmy Webb...your writing, playing and singing is sublime. This song never fails to both make me smile with joy at the melodie and yet weep at it's simple beauty and pathos.
This song is a clinic. Why is it a great song? Because the words 'dance' together (Witchita Lineman and others), but also because it never really reveals what the hell it's about; It leaves it to the listener to inject his/her own meaning. Reminds me of what an English professor of mine used to say "The question is not 'What does it mean?' but How does it Mean"
The producer of Campbell's version did a hell of a job selecting the pickers and the type of instruments that were needed for Campbell to make this a classic. Simple lyrics and chord structure put this song in country music's venue for that particular time, as well. Another thing that amazes me about Webb is how his mind can go from something like MacArthur Park to Wichita Lineman! I guess that's why he is as revered as he is. Great writer!
In the early 1970's there was a small record shop near my school. I picked up Jimmy Webb's "Letters" from the bargain bin for $1.99. I was blown away - who knew "Galveston" was such a beautiful song! Whenever I hear Glen Campbell, I hear the remarkable Jimmy Webb!
So cool! It sounded like Jimmy had the whole orchestra with him. What a great great musician! Just awesome time in life that song will always be and always stand strong
fantastic, thank you, of all the covers of this , my most go to song, and one play is never enough, ..The Piano Playing here is far and away the outright best, sublime, . just as. the vocals by Jimmy Barnes and David Cambell on double Happiness album are . phenomenal, the same., but so different I just love how many artists have covered it, from every musical genre, Guns and Roses, Johnny Cash ,REM, and in 2020 The Black Pumas elevate it to the stratesphere and a totally new audience will be under its spell. Every time, the ballad is performed with such respect . How many times that has been written in the comments. ... countless. It is like another line has sparked in appreciation down there in Witchita. so simple, so elegant, so loved by so many
I love what he said about having James Taylor cover this. Writing for Glen Campbell is just business, but another songwriter borrowing a song is an honor.
First heard this song on late night show with bald band leader accompanying Webb on, of all things, an accordian! Host kept trying 2 shoo Paul away yet he remained insisting "I'm part of this performance". Sure enuf as soon as Webb began I was hooked. That danged accordion blended beautifully with Webb's plaintive wail "..still on the liiiiine..." like they were made 4 each other. Next day I'm telling my mother about this great new song I heard:
She replied "Glen Cambell recorded that hit when u were in kindergarded." Youre kidding me...the Rhinestone Cowboy himself? Yup - Waaay before that song too! I had no idea yet I did recently get 2c Glen perform Lineman himself on E's show backed with his sons & daughter in the band. Much love & respect for Mssrs Cambell & Webb (and Schaeffer)! Awesome tune.
There is a recording of Campbell doing this song when Alzheimer's had hit him hard, and he messes up a line, which is left in the recording. YOu can tell that he detects that he's made an error, and sort of overcorrects...and there is something so beautifully imperfect and so poignant about his choice to share the Alzheimer's disease experience...if one has not seen the movie "I'll Be Me" it is VERY well worth watching, and is heartbreaking, also, all about Campbell's decision to tour for as long as the Alzheimer's would allow him to do so. His children, musicians in hi s band, and wife care- took him as they rode around in the tour bus to sold out shows...and one sees Campbell's decline...his mess ups are just gently accepted and applauded...so...sadly beautiful. Jimmy Webb's melodies and chord changes are phenomenal...this song in particular rips my soul to bits. There is another TH-cam video of his where he explains that the song "Galveston" was written to be sing slowly and plaintively...not as happy-sounding as it was recorded, and he does it and again, so gorgeous. Here is that link. Webb is explaining the song, and Campbell begins at around minute 1:12 : th-cam.com/video/H8qsYsG3aQY/w-d-xo.html I have to say that I do not care how much money a person may have or what echelon of society one may surf, but to harm an instrument (and Webb would not have had a shoddy instrument) is, in my opinion, the mark of barbarians -- of the most vile, base types. The story about painting a piano completely green is not funny, it is the folly of filthy rich people who do not understand the precious spirit of instruments. It is tantamount to spray painting over a personal painting, or carving initials and cartoons into someone's beloved classic auto, "for a laugh." Nope.
It's nice that you give james Taylor props for covering this song, but lets give the man Glenn Campbell some credit here.. I mean he's the man who brought this song into the light..
Flat, hand me some no-doz. Give it up to the GREAT Glen Campbell for taking the makings and making it into a truly great song. And, yes, I know of all that Jimmy Webb has done for a number of artists but he just ain't makin' it here. He does, however, deserve to have every honor that we can bestow on him for his GREAT songwriting.
Anybody hear a tie between Jimmy’s pianistics and those of . . . say, Bruce Hornsby? Sounds like in his earlier career with the Range (maybe the Noisemakers too), Bruce may have been doing some serious listening to Jimmy Webb. Would love to hear his interpretation of this song.
WHAT WE HAVE HERE dave IS BASIC LACK OF UNDERSTANDING... GLEN THE GIFTED VOCALIST THAT HE IS, COULD NEVER HAVE A "VERSION OF IT " HAD NOT JIMMY WROTE IT
BEAUTIFUL interpretation of this song. I just listened to jimmy's story of writing it for Campbell here www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013f96w and wanted to hear him play it in full. I was NOT disappointed!
Jimmy webb actually could sing, but you had to sing his songs they were meant to be sung...slow and classy, for they were all meant for women....what's that tell you, a true man who respected women!
Not to detract from Jimmy's work, but he wrote a fairly good song that Glenn Campbell made into a great song based on his singing style and arrangement. I listened to Jimmy's version, James Taylor's cover (and others) and thought they sounded poor in comparison. So I think it's safe to say that if Jimmy or James Taylor had recorded it first, it wouldn't be the immortal work that we know it is today. FWIW
I think Kristoferson is a marvelous songwriter, but he certainly is no singer (in my opinion) when compared to some of the singers that sing his songs. But take a guy like George Jones who maybe wrote 3 songs in his life, he's not good at writing them, but can he sing? Absolutely. Some are great writers, some are great singers, and being one does not necessarily make you the other. That's all I'm saying.
a great song almost overdone by the over ranked wrecking crew i newver liked any of thier playing glen campbell is ann average guiraist and singer roy clark the whole bunch average
Jimmy wrote a lot a songs for Art Garfunkel, and it;s those songs that I love most. They seem to speak to my soul.... who I am inside. I wanna hug Jimmy too, he's a true legend....
Worthy of Kennedy Center Honors is Jimmy Webb. If you agree, raise your hand.
"I need you more than want you........and I want you for all time!" One of the greatest lyrical lines ever written!
STEPHEN SELDEN Truth.
I'M A BIG BILLY JOEL FAN BUT THAT LYRIC SAYS IT ALL
Could only have been written by mr/ms Time.
Very special when songwriters sing/play their own Tunes❣️
Yes! Check out John Hartford’s version of Gentle On My Mind on his Eartbwords and Music record.
A masterpiece of songwriting. The imagery has not diminished since I heard it over 45 years ago. It has some kind of strange magic. A true gift to us all and my life in particular.
Well said...
Jimmy Webb... one of the Mozarts of our time.
"A very nice little song"? One of the greatest, most brilliant, songs ever written! :)
jimmy webb ! best songwriter ever, at least on this planet ................. we need him more now than ever
This is the WICHITAwesomest song, destined to be inscribed in the annals of music history in a prominent position. It has already proved it has shelf-life and continuing relevance - and that is our objective perception of the situation. The story of its inception makes it all the more interesting. It will move hearts 200 years from now.
I hear some songs and wonder why anyone needs to ever write another song. This is definitely one of them.
This is the first time I've heard it played and sang by the author, Jimmy Webb. Amazing.
Been listening to this song since I was a kid. One of the most touching songs ever written. Brilliant. Thanks Jimmy. Thanks Glen.
Jimmy Webb...your writing, playing and singing is sublime. This song never fails to both make me smile with joy at the melodie and yet weep at it's simple beauty and pathos.
D Ross A very true statement.
This song is a clinic. Why is it a great song? Because the words 'dance' together (Witchita Lineman and others), but also because it never really reveals what the hell it's about; It leaves it to the listener to inject his/her own meaning. Reminds me of what an English professor of mine used to say "The question is not 'What does it mean?' but How does it Mean"
He wrote this song in an afternoon and has been sung by who knows how many, awesome work.
I love this song - and especially the way Jimmy Webb performs it.
his piano playing gives me chills
The producer of Campbell's version did a hell of a job selecting the pickers and the type of instruments that were needed for Campbell to make this a classic. Simple lyrics and chord structure put this song in country music's venue for that particular time, as well. Another thing that amazes me about Webb is how his mind can go from something like MacArthur Park to Wichita Lineman! I guess that's why he is as revered as he is. Great writer!
He also wrote “up, up and away” for the 5th Dimension. He can write for many genres.
An incredibly beautiful song and Jimmy Webb's piano playing is inspired.
What a genius, this has always been one of my favorite songs. I always assumed Glen Campbell wrote it. Love both versions. Wonderful, romantic song.
In the early 1970's there was a small record shop near my school. I
picked up Jimmy Webb's "Letters" from the bargain bin for $1.99. I was
blown away - who knew "Galveston" was such a beautiful song!
Whenever I hear Glen Campbell, I hear the remarkable Jimmy Webb!
Finest pop song ever written.
Finest, most beautiful song ever written......
Simply a perfect song.
A pure genius! ❤
So cool! It sounded like Jimmy had the whole orchestra with him. What a great great musician! Just awesome time in life that song will always be and always stand strong
He's a helluva piano player, isn't he? Impressive.
Awesome genius of a songwriter! Glad he getting the credit he deserves for this gem.💕
this man is just a gift from God. His music speaks to the heart.
Jim Webb I am shaken by your beauty.
fantastic, thank you, of all the covers of this , my most go to song, and one play is never enough, ..The Piano Playing here is far and away the outright best, sublime, . just as. the vocals by Jimmy Barnes and David Cambell on double Happiness album are . phenomenal, the same., but so different
I just love how many artists have covered it, from every musical genre, Guns and Roses, Johnny Cash ,REM, and in 2020 The Black Pumas elevate it to the stratesphere and a totally new audience will be under its spell.
Every time, the ballad is performed with such respect .
How many times that has been written in the comments. ...
countless.
It is like another line has sparked in appreciation down there in Witchita.
so simple, so elegant, so loved by so many
most sincere version I ever heard of one of the best songs I know
What an artist. Love the man and his amazing gift.
I never realized Jimmy Webb was such a talented piano player.
Wish I could play piano like him. So great.
America can be proud of a genious like Jimmy Webb
Keith urban called this his favorite song. At this point I'd have to agree
the unfinished part 3:58 - love it! immagine how great (or even greater) this song could've been with that little part in it...
ICON OF SONG - Nobody had this run of massively indelible, heart lifting hits...
Jimmy shows us why great songwriters should leave the singing to great singers. Marvelous piece.
You're a full on moron--and your words are idiotic....
Meanwhile----Jimmy Webb's singing of HIS composition is pure BLISS.....
But he still owns the rights.
i cant believe i found this Track at the Ripe old age at 52,,, i will like love this version at 102,,,
just so moving..
jimmy needs Kennedy center m and rock and hall of fame genuis
Agreed !!!!!
He's in the RARHOF isn't he? Has he been honored by the Kennedy Center?
I love what he said about having James Taylor cover this. Writing for Glen Campbell is just business, but another songwriter borrowing a song is an honor.
First heard this song on late night show with bald band leader accompanying Webb on, of all things, an accordian! Host kept trying 2 shoo Paul away yet he remained insisting "I'm part of this performance". Sure enuf as soon as Webb began I was hooked. That danged accordion blended beautifully with Webb's plaintive wail "..still on the liiiiine..." like they were made 4 each other. Next day I'm telling my mother about this great new song I heard:
stunning!
I love your song Jimmy!
Fabulous!
Genius ❤
thanks jimmy.
Fantastic!
I dig the words but always come back to this version for the piano
this man is a composer ---
Thank You! Jimmy Webb!
From the Man himself.
Thank you for this 🙏🙏
She replied "Glen Cambell recorded that hit when u were in kindergarded." Youre kidding me...the Rhinestone Cowboy himself? Yup - Waaay before that song too! I had no idea yet I did recently get 2c Glen perform Lineman himself on E's show backed with his sons & daughter in the band. Much love & respect for Mssrs Cambell & Webb (and Schaeffer)! Awesome tune.
Jimmy - my greatest.
"This is the unfinished part . . ." Really cool. Thanks so much.
this song makes me cry
When I am distracted by something annoying, I hope I can remember Jimmy's story about the green piano, and persist
I am a worker for a power company… seems he's channeling me & my brothers….
GENIUS
Great song, great performance.
The best
that piano just nails it
There is a recording of Campbell doing this song when Alzheimer's had hit him hard, and he messes up a line, which is left in the recording. YOu can tell that he detects that he's made an error, and sort of overcorrects...and there is something so beautifully imperfect and so poignant about his choice to share the Alzheimer's disease experience...if one has not seen the movie "I'll Be Me" it is VERY well worth watching, and is heartbreaking, also, all about Campbell's decision to tour for as long as the Alzheimer's would allow him to do so. His children, musicians in hi s band, and wife care- took him as they rode around in the tour bus to sold out shows...and one sees Campbell's decline...his mess ups are just gently accepted and applauded...so...sadly beautiful.
Jimmy Webb's melodies and chord changes are phenomenal...this song in particular rips my soul to bits. There is another TH-cam video of his where he explains that the song "Galveston" was written to be sing slowly and plaintively...not as happy-sounding as it was recorded, and he does it and again, so gorgeous. Here is that link. Webb is explaining the song, and Campbell begins at around minute 1:12 :
th-cam.com/video/H8qsYsG3aQY/w-d-xo.html
I have to say that I do not care how much money a person may have or what echelon of society one may surf, but to harm an instrument (and Webb would not have had a shoddy instrument) is, in my opinion, the mark of barbarians -- of the most vile, base types. The story about painting a piano completely green is not funny, it is the folly of filthy rich people who do not understand the precious spirit of instruments. It is tantamount to spray painting over a personal painting, or carving initials and cartoons into someone's beloved classic auto, "for a laugh." Nope.
Jimmie has a nice voice.
Solo piano is so good for this song....
I JUST WISH HE COULD SING AS WELL AS HE WRITES SONGS
It's nice that you give james Taylor props for covering this song, but lets give the man Glenn Campbell some credit here.. I mean he's the man who brought this song into the light..
I doubt he was aware that he wrote a masterpiece when he composed this song
i agree...he can't sing so well...but it doesn't matter...i used to be a lineman i love it.
you must watch the johnny cash cover of this. you will love it
wow!
Scud Mountain Boys did my favourite version of this beautiful song
just lovely! no hard rock! relax and enjoy!
genuis
ditto... Jimmy Webb is so good..
Flame away, but the Glen Campbell + Stone Temple Pilots (yes, them) version is the one that chokes me up. Jimmy Webb is a genius though.
Flat, hand me some no-doz. Give it up to the GREAT Glen Campbell for taking the makings and making it into a truly great song. And, yes, I know of all that Jimmy Webb has done for a number of artists but he just ain't makin' it here. He does, however, deserve to have every honor that we can bestow on him for his GREAT songwriting.
Anybody hear a tie between Jimmy’s pianistics and those of . . . say, Bruce Hornsby? Sounds like in his earlier career with the Range (maybe the Noisemakers too), Bruce may have been doing some serious listening to Jimmy Webb. Would love to hear his interpretation of this song.
The piano...ahhh
Did you get in line with the web yet?
wowser
WHAT WE HAVE HERE dave IS BASIC LACK OF UNDERSTANDING... GLEN THE GIFTED VOCALIST THAT HE IS, COULD NEVER HAVE A "VERSION OF IT " HAD NOT JIMMY WROTE IT
BEAUTIFUL interpretation of this song.
I just listened to jimmy's story of writing it for Campbell here www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013f96w and wanted to hear him play it in full.
I was NOT disappointed!
Mistress Replies
?
who knew? Professional song~writers (tune smiths) have their problems, too.
Jimmy webb actually could sing, but you had to sing his songs they were meant to be sung...slow and classy, for they were all meant for women....what's that tell you, a true man who respected women!
...get on with it Jimmy. I lived with 20 people and also had my piano painted green. He ripped me orf.
where can someone live with 20 people?
Not to detract from Jimmy's work, but he wrote a fairly good song that Glenn Campbell made into a great song based on his singing style and arrangement. I listened to Jimmy's version, James Taylor's cover (and others) and thought they sounded poor in comparison. So I think it's safe to say that if Jimmy or James Taylor had recorded it first, it wouldn't be the immortal work that we know it is today. FWIW
i see this cut as being overdone by the wrecking crew but...i masrer musiian
Great tune. Covers and Webb version better than the Glenn Campbell version.
I couldn’t agree less.
Thought he'd never shut up
I think Kristoferson is a marvelous songwriter, but he certainly is no singer (in my opinion) when compared to some of the singers that sing his songs. But take a guy like George Jones who maybe wrote 3 songs in his life, he's not good at writing them, but can he sing? Absolutely. Some are great writers, some are great singers, and being one does not necessarily make you the other. That's all I'm saying.
leave out the solo on guitar and the intro probably by carol kaye of the wrecking crew they were never that good just played alot and had connections
a great song almost overdone by the over ranked wrecking crew i newver liked any of thier playing glen campbell is ann average guiraist and singer roy clark the whole bunch average
Jimmy wrote a lot a songs for Art Garfunkel, and it;s those songs that I love most. They seem to speak to my soul.... who I am inside. I wanna hug Jimmy too, he's a true legend....