Hello Operator

The White Stripes

About Hello Operator

"Hello Operator" is a song from De Stijl, the second album by the Detroit, Michigan garage rock band The White Stripes and the first track from it to be released as a 7" single. It was released in May 2000. It is backed by The White Stripes' off-kilter cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene". Live recordings of both songs are available on Under Blackpool Lights. A picture disc version of this single exists. Hello Operator has been used in both an online and television Converse advertisement. John Peel listed it as his single of the week on his radio show even though it was not released in the United Kingdom. The 7" single was recently reissued by Third Man Records. 


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Hello operator 
Can you give me number nine? 
Can I see you later? 
Will you give me back my dime? 
Turn the oscillator 
Twist it with a dollar bill 
Mail man bring the paper 
Leave it on my window sill 

Find a canary 
A bird to bring my message home 
Carry my obituary 
My coffin doesn't have a phone 
How you gonna get the money? 
Send papers to an empty home? 
How you gonna get the money? 
Nobody to answer the phone

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The White Stripes

The White Stripes was an American rock duo, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of drummer Meg White (drums and occasional vocals) and songwriter Jack White (vocals, guitar, and keyboards). Meg and Jack White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced. After releasing several singles and three albums within the Detroit music scene, the White Stripes rose to prominence in 2002, as part of the garage rock revival scene. Their successful and critically acclaimed albums White Blood Cells and Elephant drew them attention from a large variety of media outlets in the United States and the United Kingdom, with the single "Seven Nation Army" and its now-iconic guitar riff becoming a huge hit. The band recorded a further two albums… more »

4 fans

Written by: JACK WHITE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"Hello Operator" is a blues-rock song, showcasing The White Stripes' renowned garage-rock style meshed with elements of classic blues, marking an important transition for the band's subsequent musical style.
Album
The song is a part of the band's sophomore studio album "De Stijl," which was released in 2000.
Composition
The song, like most other White Stripes songs, features only Jack White on vocals, guitar, and piano, with Meg White on drums. The minimalistic duo setup was a staple of The White Stripes' music.
Sound
Jack White's slide guitar work in the song is remarkably distinctive, showcasing his ability to instill blues elements into rock songs.
Meaning
The lyrics do not overtly display a clear, explicit narrative. This was a common practice for The White Stripes, where the aim was to elicit emotional reactions more than tell a specific story.
Commercial Success
Though it wasn’t released as a single, "Hello Operator" has gained a massive fan following and is considered to be one of the signature tracks of The White Stripes.
Live Performances
The song was a mainstay in The White Stripes' live shows; they performed it consistently throughout their career.
Cultural Impact
"Hello Operator" has been featured in various films and TV shows, and has been covered by numerous artists, underlining its lasting cultural impact.
Influence
Jack White's unique guitar technique in the song has greatly influenced aspiring guitarists, and has often been studied by professionals.
Title
The title "Hello Operator" is a popular phrase used to communicate with telephone operators. This unconventional use of everyday language is characteristic of The White Stripes' songwriting style.

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