Operator

Jim Croce

About Operator

"Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" is a 1972 song written by Jim Croce. Croce's record was released on August 23, 1972. It was the second single released from Croce's album You Don't Mess Around with Jim. It reached a peak of #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1972, spending twelve weeks on the chart. There is a similar song written by Ron "Pigpen" McKernan of the Grateful Dead and released on their 1970 American Beauty album. However, Croce's song predates the McKernan song by several years. There are numerous mid-1960s recordings available of Jim Croce performances that include his exact version of "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)." While the song-stories are similar, they are distinctly different songs. 


Year:
1998
134 
#2

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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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Jim Croce

James Joseph "Jim" Croce (/ˈkroʊtʃi/; January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and 11 singles. His singles "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle" were both number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. more »

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Written by: Jim Croce

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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".
Songwriting Inspiration
Croce 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.
Chart Performance
After its release, "Operator" quickly rose in popularity, reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Album Success
The 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.
Real-Life Inspiration
Many reports indicate that many of Croce's songs, including "Operator", drew inspiration from his own personal experiences, reflecting his life's ups and downs.
Song Theme
The 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.
Genre
“Operator” is generally classified as folk and pop, showcasing Croce’s skill in storytelling through his music.
Posthumous Recognition
Sadly, 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.
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.
Beloved Ballad
The heartfelt lyrics and Croce's emotive performance have helped "Operator" maintain its status as one of the most beloved ballads of the 1970's.
Duration
This acoustic ballad runs approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Unique Composition
Unlike typical song structure, "Operator" does not have a chorus. Instead, it is structured as a continuous narrative.

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