Jim Croce – Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)

About the song

Jim Croce and the Tragic Brilliance of “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)”

Jim Croce was a folk singer-songwriter who emerged in the early 1970s with a warm, engaging voice and a knack for crafting heartfelt, relatable songs. His music often explored themes of love, loss, and everyday life, and his sincere delivery resonated with listeners across the generations. Croce’s career was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1973, but his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

One of Croce’s most beloved songs is “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels),” a poignant ballad about the pain of heartbreak. The song was released in 1972 as the second single from Croce’s album “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” It reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple of Croce’s live performances.

The song tells the story of a man who is trying to call his ex-girlfriend, but he is unable to get through to her. He keeps getting disconnected by the operator, and his frustration grows with each failed attempt. As he listens to the operator’s voice, he reflects on the relationship and the reasons why it ended.

The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they capture the raw emotions of heartbreak. Croce’s vocals are expressive and vulnerable, and he perfectly conveys the pain and longing of the song’s protagonist. The song’s melody is also memorable, and it helps to create a sense of longing and nostalgia.

“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a powerful reminder of the pain of heartbreak, but it also offers a message of hope. The song suggests that even though love can be lost, the memories we create will always remain with us.

Key takeaways:

• “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is a ballad about the pain of heartbreak.
• The song was written by Jim Croce and released in 1972.
• It reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple of Croce’s live performances.
• The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they capture the raw emotions of heartbreak.
• Croce’s vocals are expressive and vulnerable, and he perfectly conveys the pain and longing of the song’s protagonist.
• The song’s melody is also memorable, and it helps to create a sense of longing and nostalgia.
• “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a powerful reminder of the pain of heartbreak, but it also offers a message of hope.

Additional information:

• Genre: Folk, pop
• Length: 3:05
• Album: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim (1972)
• Other notable covers: Chet Atkins, Harry Nilsson, Olivia Newton-John

Critical reception:

• “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” has been praised by critics for its honest portrayal of heartbreak and Croce’s heartfelt performance.
• In 2004, the song was ranked #448 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
• It has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Impact and legacy:

• “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” is one of Jim Croce’s most popular and enduring songs.
• It has been covered by many artists and continues to be played on the radio and in live performances today.
• The song is a reminder of Croce’s talent as a songwriter and performer, and it continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.

Video

Lyrics

“Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)”

 

Operator, well could you help me place this call
See, the number on the match book 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

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, well 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 the 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, 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
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