About the song
Jim Croce’s “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is a poignant and reflective song that has touched the hearts of many since its release in 1972. Performed live on *The Midnight Special,* this track showcases Croce’s exceptional storytelling abilities and his unique blend of folk and rock music.
In this song, Croce takes on the role of a man who is calling an operator to connect him with his ex-lover. As the conversation unfolds, the man reveals his heartache and struggles to come to terms with the end of the relationship. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, capturing the raw emotions of someone trying to move on from a lost love. The chorus, “Operator, well, could you help me place this call?” is a plea for assistance, not just in making a phone connection, but in finding closure.
Jim Croce’s performance on *The Midnight Special* adds a layer of intimacy to the song. His soft, heartfelt delivery draws the listener into the narrative, making it easy to empathize with the character’s pain. The simplicity of the guitar accompaniment highlights Croce’s vocal expression, emphasizing the song’s melancholic mood.
“Operator” is a song that resonates with many because it speaks to a universal experience—heartbreak. Croce’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music is what makes this song timeless. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, “Operator” remains a touching and relatable piece that showcases Jim Croce’s talent as both a songwriter and a performer.
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Lyrics
Operator, oh, 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
Guy, she said she knew well, and sometimes hated
But 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, oh, could you help me place this call?
‘Cause 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
But 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, oh, 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
You can keep the dime
But 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