About the song
“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is a poignant ballad penned by the talented singer-songwriter Jim Croce, released on August 23, 1972, as the second single from his album “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim”. This heartfelt composition captured the essence of Croce’s storytelling prowess and resonated deeply with audiences upon its debut.
The song unfolds as a conversation with a telephone operator, where the protagonist seeks to reconnect with a lost love who has moved away with his former best friend. In classic Croce fashion, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartache and longing, as the speaker wrestles with his emotions while trying to maintain composure. He initially requests the phone number, intending to demonstrate his emotional resilience and move on, but his vulnerability surfaces when he admits to the operator that he is not as over the betrayal as he pretends to be.
Inspired by Croce’s own observations during his military service, where soldiers often queued to call loved ones, “Operator” captures universal themes of love, loss, and the struggle to come to terms with betrayal. The narrative unfolds with a raw honesty that is characteristic of Croce’s songwriting, blending elements of folk, country, and storytelling tradition.
Upon its release, “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its widespread appeal and cementing Croce’s reputation as a masterful songwriter. Critics praised the song’s narrative depth and Croce’s ability to evoke genuine emotion through his music. It was noted for its similarity in style to artists like James Taylor, yet distinctly bearing Croce’s signature blend of sincerity and melancholy.
Throughout his career, Croce performed “Operator” live, including a memorable rendition on the iconic music series The Midnight Special in 1973. Live recordings of the song have since been cherished by fans, preserving its legacy as a standout track in Croce’s repertoire.
“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” remains a timeless testament to Jim Croce’s enduring impact on the singer-songwriter genre. Its ability to weave a compelling narrative with heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies continues to captivate listeners, making it a cherished classic in the annals of American folk and pop music.
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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