Jimmy Webb on Writing His Most Famous Song

Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/j8pRKAgMaP4?si=efTUAk24bqJ4avJd

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

It’s one of the greatest songs ever written

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I love stories about how great songs come to be.

I've always loved this beautiful song.

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

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!

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

If it's not the best song ever written, it's certainly in the conversation.

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

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.

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