About The Song
Operator by Jim Croce is a poignant ballad released in 1972 that delves into the depths of longing and regret. The song chronicles the tale of a man who dials a long-distance operator, seeking to reconnect with his estranged lover. His voice, filled with both yearning and sorrow, conveys the weight of their separation.
The man expresses his deep regret for their parting ways, painting vivid pictures of their shared memories. He yearns for a chance to reconcile, to mend the broken pieces of their relationship. The operator, seemingly touched by his heartfelt plea, tries to assist him in locating his lost love. However, despite her best efforts, she is unable to trace the woman’s whereabouts.
The song’s melancholic tone is further enhanced by Croce’s soulful vocals and the simple yet powerful acoustic guitar accompaniment. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet longing, as the man reflects on the fading memories of their time together. The operator’s sympathetic response underscores the universality of heartbreak and the enduring hope for reconciliation.
“Operator” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the pain of loss. It explores the complexities of human relationships and the enduring hope that time may heal wounds and bring loved ones back together. Through Croce’s heartfelt performance and the song’s evocative lyrics, listeners are invited to empathize with the man’s plight and to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and longing.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
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 hatedBut 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