Hello! Below you'll find my "Wichita Lineman" chords & lyrics chart as well as a tutorial video on how to play the piano accompaniment.
This classic "existential country" song - written by Jimmy Webb and made famous by Glen Campbell - has a beautiful chord progression and melody. In the video, I go over everything you need to do a great sounding piano cover.
Enjoy!
Wichita Lineman Piano Tutorial
Here's a piano tutorial video for Wichita Lineman:
Wichita Lineman Chords & Lyrics
[Intro]
| Fmaj7 | C9 | Fmaj7 | C9 |
| Fmaj7 | C9 | Fmaj7 | C9 |
[Verse 1]
Bbmaj7 Am7
I am a lineman for the county
C9
And I drive the main road
Dm7 Am7 G D
Searchin' in the sun for another overload
D Cadd2
I hear you singin' in the wire
Cadd2 G/B
I can hear you through the whine
Gm/Bb D/A
And the Wichita Lineman
A7sus4 Bb Cadd2 Bb C9
is still on the line
is still on the line
[Verse 2]
Bbmaj7 Am7
I know I need a small vacation
C9
But it don't look like rain
Dm7 Am7
And if it snows that stretch down south
G D
Won't ever stand the strain
D Cadd2
And I need you more than want you
Cadd2 G/B
And I want you for all time
Gm/Bb D/A
And the Wichita Lineman
A7sus4 Bb Cadd2 Bb C9
is still on the line
is still on the line
[Instrumental/Verse 3]
| Bbmaj7 | Am7 | C9 |
| Dm7 Am7 | G | D |
| Bbmaj7 | Am7 | C9 |
| Dm7 Am7 | G | D |
D Cadd2
And I need you more than want you
Cadd2 G/B
And I want you for all time
Gm/Bb D/A
And I need you more than want you
Cadd2 G/B
And I want you for all time
Gm/Bb D/A
And the Wichita Lineman
A7sus4 Bb Cadd2 Bb C9
is still on the line
is still on the line
[Outro]
| Bbadd2 | Cadd2 | Repeat and fade, or end on
Bbadd2
| Bbadd2 | Cadd2 | Repeat and fade, or end on
Bbadd2
This document is the author's own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It's intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.
This chord chart is here only to support online learning. We recommend buying official transcripts from a licensed and reputable publisher.
Wichita Lineman Piano Tips
1. Take It Slow: It's counterintuitive, but the quickest way to get comfortable and sound great playing a song is to practice it very slowly at first. Steady rhythm and counting are crucial to sounding like a pro, so let yourself get used to feeling the beat at a slow, easy tempo. Once you can nail "Wichita Lineman" slowly, *gradually* speed it up. You'll sound much better than if you jumped in at full speed!
2. Use The Pedal Wisely: Utilize the sustain pedal to connect the chords smoothly, timing your lifts with the arrival of a new chord. For help with sustain pedal timing, check out this video.
3. Simplify if need be: "Wichita Lineman" still sounds great even if you simply hold out the chords and ignore most of the rhythm patterns and extra details in the tutorial video. Feel free to keep it simple, especially if you sing while playing. As you get comfortable, you can always add the fancy stuff later.
