We’re taking a bit of a departure this week for tonight’s serenade. Wichita Lineman isn’t exactly a summer song, but I wanted to note the loss of another great musician this past week.
I can remember watching Glen Campbell on television when I was a kid. I can recall my little brother calling him ‘Glim Candle.’ Of course, back then I had no appreciation for the amazing talent the man was. He was a singer, songwriter, gifted musician, and he even tried his hand at acting.
He was in the original True Grit, the good one, with John Wayne, not the sorry remake from a few years back.
He succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer’s, the same disease that took my grandmother. To say that it’s an awful thing is a massive understatement. People always think of confused old people who don’t remember the names of their family members. But that’s just where it starts.
My grandmother started running away from her home because she didn’t recognize my grandfather, her husband of over 50 years. He finally moved her into a nursing home, where she felt more at peace. But the disease began to eat away at her other functions: mobility, sight, hearing, the ability to swallow. It’s devastating.
While looking for tonight’s song, I came across this interview with Alice Cooper about his good friend Glen Campbell. At one point he says that when he found out about Glen’s diagnosis, he hoped it would take him quickly. I get that.
Wichita Lineman is a simple, beautiful song about a hard-working man who’s away from his love.
I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
Searchin’ in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin’ in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the lineI know I need a small vacation but it don’t look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the lineAnd I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
I hope you’re spending a wonderful August weekend, doing what you love with those you love. Be sure to give them a hug. Happy Saturday night!
Adventures in Date Night 
One of my favorites of his! 😥
I’m kind of😔💔
Completely. If you’ve not seen the film his family did on Netflix, watch it.
Ooh, will do.
I think it’s called I’m Still Me. It will bring you to tears, P. We watched again last night and neither of us had dry eyes. Such a loss.
💖💔💖💗💖💔💖