Operator
Jim Croce
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Operator, well could you help me place this call? See, the number on the matchbook is old and faded She's living in L.A. with my best old ex-friend Ray A guy she said she knew well and sometimes hated Isn't that the way they say it goes? Well, let's forget all that And give me the number if you can find it So I can call just to tell 'em I'm fine and to show I've overcome the blow, I've learned to take it well I only wish my words could just convince myself That it just wasn't real, but that's not the way it feels Operator, well could you help me place this call? Well, I can't read the number that you just gave me There's something in my eyes, you know it happens every time I think about a love that I thought would save me Isn't that the way they say it goes? Well, let's forget all that And give me the number if you can find it So I can call just to tell 'em I'm fine and to show I've overcome the blow, I've learned to take it well I only wish my words could just convince myself That it just wasn't real, but that's not the way it feels No, no, no, no - that's not the way it feels Operator, well let's forget about this call There's no one there I really wanted to talk to Thank you for your time, ah, you've been so much more than kind And you can keep the dime Isn't that the way they say it goes? Well, let's forget all that And give me the number if you can find it So I can call just to tell 'em I'm fine and to show I've overcome the blow, I've learned to take it well I only wish my words could just convince myself That it just wasn't real, but that's not the way it feels
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12 facts about this song
Release Date"Operator" was first released by ABC Records on August 23, 1972 as part of Jim Croce’s album, "You Don't Mess Around with Jim".
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Songwriting InspirationCroce wrote "Operator" during his time as a member of the National Guard. According to his wife, Ingrid Croce, Jim wrote the song after receiving a call from an army buddy while stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
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Chart PerformanceAfter its release, "Operator" quickly rose in popularity, reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
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Album SuccessThe album the song is featured in, "You Don't Mess Around with Jim", became Jim Croce's commercial breakthrough, becoming the top selling album for five weeks in early 1973.
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Real-Life InspirationMany reports indicate that many of Croce's songs, including "Operator", drew inspiration from his own personal experiences, reflecting his life's ups and downs.
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Song ThemeThe story of the song revolves around a man trying to call an old love, only to find that he really just wants to move on.
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Genre“Operator” is generally classified as folk and pop, showcasing Croce’s skill in storytelling through his music.
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Posthumous RecognitionSadly, Croce passed away in a plane crash in 1973, just as his career was taking off. However, "Operator" and his other songs ensured that his talent has been recognized and celebrated long after his death.
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Covers and Renditions"Operator" has been covered by numerous artists over the years in various genres, highlighting its timeless appeal. Notable covers include those by Ray LaMontagne and Sheryl Crow.
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Beloved BalladThe heartfelt lyrics and Croce's emotive performance have helped "Operator" maintain its status as one of the most beloved ballads of the 1970's.
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DurationThis acoustic ballad runs approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
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Unique CompositionUnlike typical song structure, "Operator" does not have a chorus. Instead, it is structured as a continuous narrative.
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Citation
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"Operator Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10057332/Jim+Croce/Operator>.
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