About the song
Ah, Jim Croce. The name alone conjures up images of a simpler time, of heartfelt storytelling set to gentle acoustic melodies. Croce, with his signature mustache and ever-present glasses, was a master of capturing the everyday moments of life, the small joys and quiet sorrows that make us human. He had a knack for weaving tales of ordinary people, their loves and losses, their dreams and disappointments, in a way that resonated deeply with listeners. And perhaps no song exemplifies this better than “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels).”
Released in 1972, this track, from his album You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, became one of his signature songs, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates Croce’s ability to blend folk, pop, and a touch of country into a sound that is both familiar and unique. But beyond the catchy melody and Croce’s warm vocals lies a story that is both timeless and poignant.
“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” tells the tale of a man trying to connect with a lost love through a long-distance phone call. He’s grappling with feelings of loneliness and regret, hoping to rekindle a flame that may have long since flickered out. As he fumbles through the conversation, we hear the desperation in his voice, the yearning for a connection that seems just out of reach. The operator, a detached yet sympathetic voice on the other end of the line, becomes an unwilling participant in his emotional turmoil.
What makes this song so compelling is its raw honesty. Croce doesn’t shy away from portraying the vulnerability and awkwardness of the situation. The lyrics are simple yet profound, painting a vivid picture of a man struggling to come to terms with the past. There’s a sense of universality to the emotions expressed in the song, a feeling that we’ve all been there at some point in our lives, trying to reach out to someone we’ve lost touch with, hoping for a second chance.
But “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is more than just a sad song about lost love. It’s also a reflection on the passage of time, on the way life can take unexpected turns, leaving us with a bittersweet longing for what might have been. It’s a reminder that sometimes, despite our best efforts, the connections we crave remain elusive. And yet, there’s a beauty in the melancholy, a recognition that even in our moments of sadness, there’s a profound truth to be found in the human experience.
So settle in, dear listener, and let the gentle strumming of Croce’s guitar and his soulful voice transport you back to a time when music spoke to the heart. Let “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” wash over you, and perhaps you’ll find yourself reflecting on your own journey, your own connections, and the moments that have shaped your life.
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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