Released February 24, 1969 Length 2:39 Writer(s) Jimmy Webb | Genre Country pop Label Capitol 2428 | |
B-side "Everytime I Itch I Wind Up Scratchin' You" | ||
"Galveston" is a song written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by American country music singer Glen Campbell who recorded it with the instrumental backing of members of The Wrecking Crew. In 2003, this song ranked number 8 in CMT's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. Campbell's version of the song also went to number 1 on the country music charts. On other charts, "Galveston" went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the "Easy Listening" charts. It was certified gold by the RIAA in October 1969.
Contents
The song is considered as the official anthem of Galveston Island and the City of Galveston, Texas.
Background and writing
Campbell's recording of the song, released in 1969, was perceived as being a Vietnam War protest song, but Campbell performed it up-tempo, conveying a more general message. The protagonist is a soldier, as shown in the original promo video with Campbell dressed up in a military outfit. Webb described it as an anti-war song, and challenged Campbell's version of his song and the notion that it was in any way a "patriotic song". According to Jimmy Webb, on the Great Song writers channel 4, The song was about a soldier, during the Vietnam War, finding himself in a situation he didn't want to be in, rather than a protest song.
Content
The song describes a soldier waiting to go into battle who thinks of the woman he loves and his hometown of Galveston, Texas. The song was originally sung by Don Ho, who introduced Glen Campbell to it when he appeared as a guest on Campbell's Goodtime Hour, and the second verse was originally transcribed:
"Wonder if she could forget me
"I'd go home if they would let me
"Put down this gun
"And go to Galveston."
However, in Campbell's version, this was changed to read:
"I still hear your sea waves crashing
"While I watch the cannons flashing
"I clean my gun
"And dream of Galveston."