Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)
Jim Croce
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
12 facts about this song
Release Details"Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" by Jim Croce was released in 1972 as part of his album "You Don't Mess Around with Jim."
|
Chart PerformanceThe song reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and appeared on charts worldwide, demonstrating its international popularity.
|
Song BackgroundThe song was born out of Croce's experiences in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, he would observe fellow soldiers trying to mend their broken hearts or maintain long-distance relationships via payphone.
|
NarrativeThe song is a narrative about a man attempting to call his former lover, only to realize he no longer needs her after talking with the operator.
|
AcclaimThe song is particularly known for its storytelling element and was often praised for Croce's lyricism.
|
Cover Versions"Operator" has been covered by various artists across multiple genres, demonstrating the song's universal appeal. Notable cover versions include The Manhattan Transfer and bluegrass musician Tony Rice.
|
Posthumous SuccessThis song's success came after Croce's tragic early death in a plane crash. He didn't get to see the full influence and impact his songwriting had on his fans and the music industry.
|
Music StyleThe song blends genres, including folk, pop, and blues, which was characteristic of Croce's music style.
|
Live RecordingsA posthumously released live recording of "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" features on the album "Jim Croce Live: The Final Tour," offering fans a glimpse of how the song might have sounded in a concert setting.
|
Personal SignificanceDespite its popularity and chart success, Croce wasn't particularly fond of the song, feeling that it was too soft compared to his other more upbeat and energetic tracks.
|
Not the Original TitleInitially, the song was simply billed as "Operator," but "That's Not the Way It Feels" was added to distinguish it from other songs with similar titles.
|
Other MediaThe song has made appearances in several movies and television series, most notably the film "Magnolia" and the TV series "This Is Us," demonstrating its continued cultural relevance.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1596296/Jim+Croce/Operator+%28That%27s+Not+the+Way+It+Feels%29>.
Discuss the Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In