Composer

:

Jimmy Webb

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1967

Average_duration

:

3:03

"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is a classic American country pop song composed by Jimmy Webb. The song was first recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965, but it was Glen Campbell's version that became the most popular and enduring. The song was released in 1967 and became a hit, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is composed of three movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement tells the story of a man who is leaving his lover in Phoenix, Arizona. The second movement describes his journey as he travels across the country, reflecting on his past and his relationship with his lover. The third movement returns to the present, as the man arrives in Phoenix and realizes that his lover has moved on. The song is characterized by its simple, yet powerful melody and lyrics. The melody is built around a repeating chord progression, with subtle variations that create a sense of tension and release. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the man's journey and his emotional state. One of the most notable features of the song is its use of repetition. The phrase "By the time I get to Phoenix" is repeated throughout the song, creating a sense of inevitability and building tension as the man gets closer to his destination. The repetition also serves to emphasize the emotional weight of the song, as the man's journey becomes a metaphor for his struggle to come to terms with his lost love. Overall, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is a timeless classic that has endured for over 50 years. Its simple yet powerful melody and lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it one of the most beloved songs in the American popular music canon.

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