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, 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

Operator, let's forget about this call
You see 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



Lyrics submitted by tmmfalk

Track duration: 03:47

"Operator" as written by James J. Croce

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Operator song meanings
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16 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment:"you can keep the dime"

    uh, thanks.

    :-)
    Flag Gondringon September 30, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:A lot of people dont know what they are talking about. This song is an autobiographical one about Croce when he was stationed overseas early in his life. He called his gf to check on her and found out the news. He then proceeded to write this song about it. And ray is the best friend and "something in my eye" is indeed tears. Croce ended up marrying his wife later on and died in that fatal plane crash soon after. This is one of his greatest songs.
    Flag ranceyoungon January 15, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:It is about a man, and his girlfriend went and lived with his ex best friend. Ray was his best friend, but then his girlfriend and ray started dating, so they arent friends anymore. And the man also just wants to call her and tell her that he is doing fine now.

    (There's something in my eye
    You know it happens every time
    I think about the love that I thought would save me)

    He is crying when he is thinking about her.
    Flag peggybaleon August 02, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:well this song is about the war but what jim is trying to say is i am here i am alright but i know you dont care so operator thank you but forget it
    Flag joe walsh ruleson June 29, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Yes, this is one of those songs that just hits home at a personal level; Written about a decade before puberty hit me and I had even inkling of the feeling he's talking about, and probably danged near two decades before the I felt the same BITE he's getting at. But I guess "love lost" songs work in any era, human nature being what it is.
    Flag BazBearon April 21, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I agree with sgtpepper...very concisely put, too! :-)
    Flag mandmguesson August 23, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:God, I love this song
    Flag Eric_Cartmanon January 23, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is a great song. I think lots of people have been in this situation.
    Flag kmk_natashaon December 07, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is the worst heartbreak song. By worst, I mean the best at tearing your heart-out!!!
    Flag jersey73on August 20, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I have been in this situation many times before and that is the reason this song is so close to my heart. The lyrics and melody are beautiful and will remain timeless forever.

    \\//Peace
    Flag Rollingstonesrockon March 07, 2005   Link

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