Operator (That's Not The Way It Feels) by Jim Croce is a poignant song that delves into themes of heartbreak, longing, and the struggle for emotional closure. The song tells the story of a man reaching out to a telephone operator in an attempt to contact his ex-lover who has left him for his best friend. Despite his attempts to sound composed, his vulnerability and emotional pain are evident. Key moments include his admission that hearing her voice would help him move on, and the final realization that calling her might not bring the solace he seeks. The song captures the melancholy of lost love and the bittersweet attempt to hold onto the past while trying to move forward.