Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)

Jim Croce

About Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)

"Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" is a 1972 song written by Jim Croce. Croce's record was released on August 23, 1972. It was the second single released from Croce's album You Don't Mess Around with Jim. It reached a peak of #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1972, spending twelve weeks on the chart. There is a similar song written by Ron "Pigpen" McKernan of the Grateful Dead and released on their 1970 American Beauty album. However, Croce's song predates the McKernan song by several years. There are numerous mid-1960s recordings available of Jim Croce performances that include his exact version of "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)." While the song-stories are similar, they are distinctly different songs. 


Year:
1994
3:49
73 
#1

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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

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Jim Croce

James Joseph "Jim" Croce (/ˈkroʊtʃi/; January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and 11 singles. His singles "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle" were both number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. more »

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Written by: Jim Croce

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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 Performance
The song reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and appeared on charts worldwide, demonstrating its international popularity.
Song Background
The 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.
Narrative
The 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.
Acclaim
The 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 Success
This 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 Style
The song blends genres, including folk, pop, and blues, which was characteristic of Croce's music style.
Live Recordings
A 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 Significance
Despite 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 Title
Initially, 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 Media
The 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.

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    "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1259733/Jim+Croce/Operator+%28That%27s+Not+the+Way+It+Feels%29>.

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    Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)

    5.6M
    38,091     1,107

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #17


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