About the song
Jimmy Webb, a name synonymous with heartfelt storytelling in the realm of popular music, penned one of the most enduring road songs of the 20th century: “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” Released in 1965, this evocative ballad captured the hearts of listeners with its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody. While Johnny Rivers’ initial recording introduced the song to the world, it was Glen Campbell’s iconic 1967 rendition that solidified its place in the annals of country music.
Campbell’s version, which graced the cover of his self-titled album, soared to the top of the Canadian Country charts and reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles. The song’s commercial success was further cemented by its two Grammy wins at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards. Beyond its chart-topping achievements, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) has recognized it as one of the most performed songs between 1940 and 1990, a testament to its enduring popularity. The song’s inclusion at number 20 on BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century further underscores its significance.
Frank Sinatra, a connoisseur of great songs, hailed “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” as the “greatest torch song ever written.” This high praise from the Chairman of the Board is a testament to the song’s emotional depth and universal appeal. Rolling Stone magazine also acknowledged the song’s timeless quality by ranking it at number 450 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
What is it about this song that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release? Perhaps it is the evocative imagery of a lonely traveler searching for meaning on the open road. Or maybe it is the heartfelt lyrics that capture the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Whatever the reason, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” remains a timeless classic, a testament to Jimmy Webb’s songwriting genius and a reminder of the power of music to connect with us on a deeply personal level.
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Lyrics
By the time I get to Phoenix she’ll be rising
She’ll find the note I left hangin’ on her door
She’ll laugh when she reads the part that says I’m leavin’
‘Cause I’ve left that girl so many times before
By the time I make Albuquerque she’ll be working
She’ll probably stop at lunch and give me a call
But she’ll just hear that phone keep on ringin’
Off the wall, that’s all.
By the time I make Oklahoma she’ll be sleepin’
She’ll turn softly and call my name out low
And she’ll cry just to think I’d really leave her
Tho’ time and time I’ve tried to tell her so
She just didn’t know I would really go