You guys are all giving a lot of meaning to this song. So, ranceyoung, mypointofview, & jelaplan's interpretations are especially revealing, but so far nobody has mentioned the last verse...in this verse, he tells the operator what he would really like to tell his old lover, but is unable to do so:
"Operator, well let's forget about this call"
He's telling his old lover that he's forgetting about their relationship and moving on.
"There's no one there I really wanted to talk to"
He's convincing himself that he's over her and doesn't want her in his life any more.
"Thank you for your time, ah, you've been so much more than kind"
Even as he tries to forget, he remembers the good times they had and realizes that she really did do a lot for him when they were still together, BUT...
"And you can keep the dime."
Holding on to those memories hurts too much, so he's trying to throw them out, trying to get rid of any valuable sentiments that he may still harbor, so that he can move on, and maybe have some hope of getting over her.
For anyone who has reached this point in their relationship, these lyrics strike a deep and true chord. Incredible! Thanks, Jim.
@codecav Yes, the ending is pretty peaceful because he does realize he needed to talk to someone (not necessarily "her") to work out his feelings. He's better for it now and is appreciative of the operator who took the time to listen (and now is deserving of the dime).
@codecav Yes, the ending is pretty peaceful because he does realize he needed to talk to someone (not necessarily "her") to work out his feelings. He's better for it now and is appreciative of the operator who took the time to listen (and now is deserving of the dime).
You guys are all giving a lot of meaning to this song. So, ranceyoung, mypointofview, & jelaplan's interpretations are especially revealing, but so far nobody has mentioned the last verse...in this verse, he tells the operator what he would really like to tell his old lover, but is unable to do so:
"Operator, well let's forget about this call" He's telling his old lover that he's forgetting about their relationship and moving on.
"There's no one there I really wanted to talk to" He's convincing himself that he's over her and doesn't want her in his life any more.
"Thank you for your time, ah, you've been so much more than kind" Even as he tries to forget, he remembers the good times they had and realizes that she really did do a lot for him when they were still together, BUT...
"And you can keep the dime." Holding on to those memories hurts too much, so he's trying to throw them out, trying to get rid of any valuable sentiments that he may still harbor, so that he can move on, and maybe have some hope of getting over her.
For anyone who has reached this point in their relationship, these lyrics strike a deep and true chord. Incredible! Thanks, Jim.
@codecav Excellent analysis of a great song. I'm trying to get to the last verse right now as my ex and I go through separation.
@codecav Excellent analysis of a great song. I'm trying to get to the last verse right now as my ex and I go through separation.
@codecav Yes, the ending is pretty peaceful because he does realize he needed to talk to someone (not necessarily "her") to work out his feelings. He's better for it now and is appreciative of the operator who took the time to listen (and now is deserving of the dime).
@codecav Yes, the ending is pretty peaceful because he does realize he needed to talk to someone (not necessarily "her") to work out his feelings. He's better for it now and is appreciative of the operator who took the time to listen (and now is deserving of the dime).