Lyrics Operator

The song Operator (Thats Not the Way It Feels) by Jim Croce is often interpreted as a melancholic reflection on lost love and trying to move on. While specific details about the inspiration behind the creation of this song are not widely disclosed, it is known that Croce wrote songs reflecting on his personal life and the complexities of human relationships.

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
A guy she said she knew well and sometimes hated

Isn't that the way they say it goes
But 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 the love that I thought would save me

Isn't that the way they say it goes
But lets 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 let's forget about this call
There's no one there I really wanted to talk to
Thank you for your time,
Cause you've been so much more than kind
You can keep the dime

Isn't that the way they say it goes
But lets forget all that
And give me the number if you can find it
So I can call just to tell her 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