By the Time I Get to Phoenix

Glen Campbell

About By the Time I Get to Phoenix

"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is a song written by Jimmy Webb. Originally recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965, it was covered by American country music singer Glen Campbell on his album of the same name. Released on Capitol Records in 1967, Campbell's version topped RPM's Canada Country Tracks, reached number two on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart, and won two awards at the 10th Annual Grammys. Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) named it the third most performed song from 1940 to 1990. The song was ranked number 20 on BMI's Top 100 Songs of the Century. Frank Sinatra called it "the greatest torch song ever written." 


Year:
1997
2:42
16 
#1

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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 try to tell her so
She just didn't know I would really go.

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Glen Campbell

Glen Travis Campbell (born April 22, 1936) is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television. more »

6 fans

Written by: Jimmy Webb

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Origin
"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is a classic song from the 1960s written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by singer Glen Campbell.
Early Recordings
Initially, the song was first released in 1965 by Johnny Rivers. However, Glen Campbell's version, released in 1967, is the most famous and successful recording.
Song Theme
The song tells a progressive story of a man leaving his love, detailing his journey moving progressively farther away from her.
Notable Recognition
In 2004, the song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was placed at number 20 in Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Grammy Awards
Glen Campbell's version of the song won two awards at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards- Best Vocal Performance, Male and Best Contemporary Male Solo Vocal Performance.
Album Success
The song was also the title track for Campbell's 1967 album "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," which also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Influence
The song was covered by numerous musicians, further reinforcing its influence in American pop culture. Artists like Isaac Hayes, Nick Cave, and Frank Sinatra have made their own renditions of the song.
Longest Version
Soul musician Isaac Hayes's version of the song breaks typical song standards, lasting for over 18 minutes instead of the usual three minutes.
Songwriter Statement
Writer Jimmy Webb has been quoted as saying that the song is "a kind of fantasy about what would happen if an ordinary man were to do what we all wish to do from time to time, which is just to disappear, just to take off and not be responsible and not have to come back.
Hall of Fame
"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, affirming its significant historical and qualitative value in the recording industry.
Documentary Appearance
The song was also featured in the 2017 documentary "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me," paying tribute to Campbell's impactful career.
Legacy
Even after more than half a century since its release, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" continues to be regarded as a classic in the world of music, influencing and inspiring future generations.

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    By the Time I Get to Phoenix

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1967

    Billboard #26


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