By the Time I Get to Phoenix - 1

By the time I get to Phoenix, she'll be rising.


To listen, click below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUg5p3BncuQ


Recorded in 1967 by Glen Campbell, this song reflects a man who finally has a plan to leave the woman he loves, after several previously empty threats to do so. He is envisioning her reactions at various points in his trip. In the tradition of Jimmy Webb, the first one is pure poetry.

By the time I get to Phoenix, she'll be rising.
That’s what phoenixes (phoenixi?) do – rise from the ashes. Could it be inferred that that is what he hopes to do once he reaches his final destination (which is never disclosed)?

She’ll find the note I left hanging on her door.
An indication that while he has pulled himself together enough to make the final decision to leave, he doesn’t trust himself not to waver if he has to tell her face-to-face.