Jim Croce – Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)
Jim Croce – Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels) (1972)
Directed by: Tristan Zammit Terry Cashman, Tommy West
Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels) is a poignant folk-pop ballad by Jim Croce, released on August 23, 1972, as the second single from his album *You Don’t Mess Around with Jim*. The song narrates a one-sided conversation with a telephone operator, as the protagonist attempts to reconnect with a former lover who has moved away with his best friend. Drawing inspiration from Croce’s observations during his military service, where soldiers lined up to use base telephones, the song captures themes of heartbreak and longing. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1972. The official music video, directed by Tristan Zammit, features animated visuals that complement the song’s emotional depth.
