Hankster, I always thought it was about the loneliness of a power company employee having to work emergency situations until everyone's power is restored. Wikipedia says Jimmy Webb wrote it about telephone company linemen. Now I'm confused. It is a great song. I had that album as a kid. Do you remember "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife" from the Wichita Linemen album? I remember Steve Ellliot, the crop duster, singing it on Petticoat Junction to his wife. Betty Jo? Bobbie Jo? Billie Jo?