Bob Dylan Reveals the 1968 Country Classic He Calls the Greatest Song Ever Written

When Bob Dylan praises a song, the music world listens. Few opinions in songwriting carry as much weight as Dylan’s, so when he declares a particular track the “greatest song ever written,” it demands attention. While opinions on the matter may vary, Dylan’s choice reveals a deep appreciation for songs that capture the human experience—a hallmark of his own celebrated work.

The Song That Captivated Dylan

Dylan singled out Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” as the finest song ever composed. Originally released in 1968, the track earned this high praise from Dylan, who shared the sentiment on the cover of Dylan Jones’ book The Wichita Lineman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song. Though Dylan’s endorsement was brief, the song’s emotional power makes his admiration clear.

The Story Behind “Wichita Lineman”

Written by Jimmy Webb specifically for Campbell, “Wichita Lineman” is a poignant and existential piece that helped redefine country songwriting. Webb drew inspiration from a roadside encounter in Oklahoma, where he saw a lone lineman working against the vast, flat horizon—a surreal image that sparked the creation of the song.

“It was such a curiosity to see a human being perched up there,” Webb explained. “In an area that’s real flat and remote, almost surreal in its boundless horizons and infinite distances.”

Webb crafted the song’s simple narrative into a universal expression of longing and devotion, encapsulated in lines like, “I need you more than want you / And I want you for all time.” Despite its straightforward lyrics, the song resonates deeply, capturing complex emotions with remarkable economy.

Reflecting on the song’s impact, Webb recalled:

“Billy Joel came pretty close one time when he said, ‘Wichita Lineman is a simple song about an ordinary man thinking extraordinary thoughts.’ That moved me; it actually brought tears to my eyes. I had never really told anybody how close to the truth that was.”

The track profoundly moved Campbell himself.

“When I heard it, I cried,” Campbell said. “It’s just a masterfully written song.”

A Timeless Classic

The emotional weight that “Wichita Lineman” carries for listeners underlines Dylan’s claim of its greatness. Though declaring any single song the ultimate masterpiece is subjective, Dylan’s choice certainly stands as a compelling contender—a song that transcends its simple story to touch something deeply human.