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


Lyrics submitted by tmmfalk

Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) Lyrics as written by Jim Croce

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) song meanings
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  • +7
    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.

    ranceyoungon January 16, 2008   Link

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