I ask this question from the perspective of playing guitar. It is common to play notes/phrases between chords.

So, several of these phrases could occur anywhere. I did not have in mind the actual ending of the song but that also would be useful information.

All this is just to get a better technical understanding of how certain parts of songs are created.

The Wichita Lineman example is a really good piece of music. The use of D major fits the lyrics.

This is also an example of why there are no "rules". Perhaps the relative minor of F was considered but that just would not have matched the lyrical content.

Wichita Lineman in my mind is sort of in a category all by itself. We should all be so lucky to have Jimmy Webb's skills as a writer!

With fantastic writing came the additional input from people who played on the record. Having a group of studio musicians like 'The Wrecking Crew" to work with must have been wonderful.

Billy

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”