FlexiLingo
Hall of Fame songwriter Jimmy Webb talks about writing some of the 1960s songs he’s best known for: “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” and “MacArthur Park.” Now 80, he’s got a new album of unreleased songs titled Yours for the Taking. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2004. Also, Justin Chang reviews the new film Possible Love, South Korea’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and curated playlists of archive interviews...
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B2 · Upper-intermediate
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This is Fresh Air. I'm Dave Davies.
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Even so, it became a huge hit for Richard Harris in 1968.
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Is this episode right for you?
B2 · Upper-intermediate
Comfortable if you already follow TV news
- 89% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 148 words a minute: a natural pace.
- 161 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
Transcript
The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.
harder words (B2+)
This message comes from Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin. In this podcast, the Today Show anchor talks with cultural icons like Jalen Brunson and Shonda Rhimes about the moments that shaped them. Listen and you might get a fresh perspective.
Search Glass Half Full wherever you get your podcasts. This is Fresh Air. I'm Dave Davies. That's MacArthur Park with some of the most baffling song lyrics in music. Even so, it became a huge hit for Richard Harris in 1968.
It was written by Jimmy Webb, who wrote quite a few hit songs in the 60s and 70s. They include By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, and Galveston by Glenn Campbell. Webb's other songs include Didn't We, recorded by Barbara Streisand, Up, Up and Away, and The Worst That Could Happen by the Fifth Dimension, and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
That was the opening. The rest of the episode (43 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.
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