Jim Croce - Operator Meaning

Song Released: 1972

Operator Lyrics

Operator, oh could you help me place this call
You see the number on the matchbook is old and faded
She’s livin’ 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...

1. 1TOP RATED

   #1 top rated interpretation:
   anonymous

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   Nov 26th 2005 !⃝

   Basically, a guy is trying to call an old flame that screwed him over by cheating with his best friend. He's trying to convince the operator (while she's putting him thru) that he's cool about it but in the course of the discussion it comes out he's not. He thanks the operator for her time and her ear. A very sad song.
2. anonymous

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   Mar 17th 2019 !⃝

   He is wanting to talk to his friend.i think that he was bi and was missing his friend more.as he said he wanted to let his friend know that he was ok

   This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
3. anonymous

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   Dec 26th 2018 !⃝

   Operator by Jim Croce, nice voice but not nice lyrics. Latest comment, I agree with your first thought. However, I don't agree with your second thought. Listen carefully to the lyrics. Real meaning is seen at wikipedia.
   
   - Same person who made comments recently
4. anonymous

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   Dec 25th 2018 !⃝

   It begins with a guy calling the operator, it seems he’s calling to find an old flame. If you listen closely, he gets over that and you realize he is missing his friend... that’s who he wants to connect with.
5. anonymous

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   Jun 2nd 2018 !⃝

   This song started me on my writing career.
6. anonymous

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   Apr 25th 2012 !⃝

   It has nothing to do with drugs at all. The "blow" he's referring to is both the betrayal of his friend and loss of his love.
7. anonymous

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   Mar 3rd 2011 !⃝

   I thought it was about a guy getting over like crack (blow), and his girlfriend left him due to it.

   This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway