WOW!| FIRST TIME HEARING Jim Croce - Operator REACTION

WOW!| FIRST TIME HEARING Jim Croce - Operator REACTION
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Welcome to Rob Squad Reactions This is a music reaction channel. My passion is being a content creator, and providing my audience with unique, funny, and never before seen reaction videos. I have come to grow a love for all types of music from my beloved rap to heavy metal and I want to share that love with all of you. Being a content creator is my passion and it brings me so much joy and being able to share my passion and joy with all of you and grow as a community is an amazing feeling. In addition to reacting to all different types of music, I am also a a husband to my amazing wife Amber and a dad to 3 amazing kids Bria, Kiya and Luca.We here to try and make a change in this world starting with something that brings us all together MUSIC!!
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[@supasoulproductions]

What the guy in the song actually realizes is that, no matter how hard he tries, he can't convince himself that he is over losing his best friend and his lover at the same time. 'I only wish my words could just convince myself that it just wasn't real, but that's NOT the way it feels'. He's crying on the phone, just thinking about talking to her. 'There's something in my eyes. You know it happens every time I think about the love that I thought would save me.' And he knows if he calls, he might beg her to come back. And that would only humiliate him further.

[@jackie_jrml]

Right! 👍🏼

[@kattatude6]

Yeah, they missed the point. Gotta pay attention to those lyrics!

[@garyarnett1220]

Thank You Supa you just saved me a lot of typing. (PS Are you a fan of Vanishing Point?)

[@jonniiinferno9098]

thank you for re-iterating those verses - they are heart-rendingly memorable...

[@jmleyland]

Thank you. You said it as well as anyone could.

[@jimmypadgett1106]

No better story teller than Jim Croce. Great guy great music

[@TheLinuxYes]

no greater song writer.

[@willowthegood9035]

Another good storyteller is Harry Chapin "Taxi"

[@VicMikesvideodiary]

@@willowthegood9035 That's a really good story/song.

[@robertseymour2530]

Man look at Tom T.

[@fishermanmitch1]

exactly what I was going to say

[@Anglo-Saxon-Glory]

Jim's premature death was such a terrible loss to the world, a great storyteller and brilliant musician. RIP Jim.

[@goldenagenut]

Absolutely. I was a child of the 70s, loved his music, was floored when i heard he'd left us far too early, you know that guy had a lot more wonderful material in him that we'll never hear, so sad but wonderful to see younger people discovering and appreciating his music, keeping it alive! 👍👍👍

[@Anglo-Saxon-Glory]

@@goldenagenut hear hear, lovely to see. Jim lives on in our memories.

[@markrichards6863]

It still chokes me up that such a huge talent met such an untimely, tragic end. It was devestating then and still hurts.

[@user-kp2bm2rd5x]

Such a tragic loss that words can’t grasp

[@John_Chu]

The guitarist that accompanied Jim on all his recordings and live appearances was Maury Muehleisen. Tragically he died along with Jim in the plane crash that took their lives only a scant 3 years after they first starting performing together.

[@kimmaedke2763]

You beat me to it! I was going to say that the fancy guitar work was not Jim

[@richardmather1906]

Yes! Croce played very well but Maury was terrific.

[@walterrutherford8321]

I didn’t know that. There was so much going on in that song that I felt sure it was two guitars but they meshed so perfectly it was like one guitarist with four arms. That makes the loss doubly tragic.

[@davem6735]

I love to watch their live performances to watch Maury pick. Both incredible artists, gone way too soon.

[@VicMikesvideodiary]

😢

[@randytorres8211]

Ingrid Croce, who was married to Jim from 1966 until his death in 1973, told Songfacts the story of this song: "'Operator' is one of my favorite songs. I think it's a pretty interesting song in the way in which it was composed. It's probably like a lot of songs of Jim's, but it's one that I think a lot of people relate to in a whole bunch of different ways. Jim and I had gotten married in 1966, and we had been waiting for him to go in the service. He was a National Guard, which he had joined with the hope that he would not be sent over, and he would be able to continue his education and his music career. So he signed up for the National Guard, and just as soon as we decided to get married - in August of 1966, the week before our little wedding - he got a letter that said that he would be leaving within two weeks for his National Guard duty down in South or North Carolina, so he was leaving with a very heavy heart. My dad had been very ill and shortly after that passed away. And we had just waited... wanted to get married and have some time to be together after all those years of waiting. All of the sudden here he is the National Guard, and Jim is not very good with authority. And he's in the South, and they were not very good with making pasta. He was missing good food, he was missing me, he was missing life in general. He's one of the few guys I think who went through basic training twice... he really couldn't follow the system. He'd always find things that were funny, like a handbook that he put together in dealing with the service with a whole bunch of quotes of how to deal with people in the Army. But anyway, he was standing there in the rain at a payphone. And he was listening to these stories of all these guys, the 'Dear John' stories, that were standing in line waiting their turn in the rain with these green rain jackets over their heads - I can just picture it, all of them in line waiting for their 3-minute phone call. Most of them were getting on the phone and they were okay, but some of them were getting these 'Dear John' letters, or phone calls. I think that was the most important aspect of the song, because it was just so desperate. You know, 'I only have a dime' and 'You can keep the dime' because money was very scarce and very precious, and I think if you look at the words to the song there are so many aspects of our generation that are in it. 'Operator, could you help me place this call?' I'm picturing Jim out in the rain and this long line of guys where they're really trying to reach somebody. It was hard to get through, so you always had the operator do it for you." (Songfacts.com)

[@jamesd5118]

Thank you for that!

[@oreally8605]

Back when times were simple and honorable.

[@goittoog7563]

I always love these "inside baseball" stories about some of the great songs, thanks!

[@goittoog7563]

@@oreally8605 There never were such times in reality.

[@DiogenesLives]

Damn. Thank you for sharing that. I've loved this song since I first heard it 20+ years ago, and don't know why I never thought to learn what inspired it. I am bawling. Life is cruel, tragic, brutal, and monumental, all of which are captured in this beautifully nostalgic song that you just shed new light on for me. Cheers! 💙

[@dougm5697]

In 1974 I was a young soldier, a long way from home, standing in a telephone booth trying to make a long distance call to my old girlfriend back home. I wasn't able to contact her, as much as the Operator tried to help me. Everytime I hear this beautiful, poignant song, I think back on that young man trying to say hello to his old girlfriend. Eventually, I lost her. But that lead me to my wife of 47 years. So, sometimes to qoute a Garth Brooks song (which I recommend) "I thank God for unanswered prayers." Thank you for what you do. Seeing two young people enjoying a song that I did when I was your age, makes me so happy.

[@fnqoz]

The guitar picking and harmony that really supported Jim was a guy called Maurice T. Muehleisen (January 14, 1949 - September 20, 1973) he was an American musician, songwriter, and artist best known for his studio work, live accompaniment, and impact on the music of Jim Croce. He died in the same plane crash that killed Croce. The pair were something very special.

[@steveshea7725]

Wow. Gone at only 24 years old. Crushing.

[@speedfinder1]

I can say this. In the "Dirty Coal Mine" that is popular musicians, Maury Muehleisen and Jim Croce were two Flawless Diamonds. Their music was truly crafted by craftsmen beyond the ordinary. We can only imagine how things would have developed if they had not been taken before they had really got into their stride..........

[@coalsojr2003]

Yes Amber kept alluding to the guitar playing, and although Croce was and excellent guitar player, it was Muehleisen that was the "lead" guitar. His and Croce's playing and songwriting were phenomenal. Unbelievable loss at once at such a young age.

[@jondhuse1549]

Does anyone else shed a few tears when they listen to this?

[@mdanam]

Yes

[@theodoreritola7641]

I remember Operator When it was Released In `1972 I was only 11 But its still fresh in 62 year old brain Now lol Us 70s Brats were OVER spoiled with great singers and song writers Like Mr J,C

[@hollydeitch1977]

“There’s something in my eyes, you know it happens every time, I think about a love that I thought would save me…” 💔 One of my favorite songs ❤

[@idalily3810]

That line always gets me where it hurts.

[@terrilgeorge7255]

Happens to me every time I hear this song too 😢 So sad, yet so beautiful.

[@fredandersen9873]

Onion cutting ninjas, always show up at the worst time.

[@David-ng7cr]

Gets me to. 64 and it still brings a tear.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

It sounds to me like he was lonely and lost when they met and was happy to be in a relationship but she had dreams and his best friend had more confidence and nerve and she found Ray more attractive because he wasn't a simp and she saw him as someone who might help her chase show business dreams. The singer is still carrying a torch and wallowing in his misery when he isn't telling himself he's over it and ready to control himself over the phone.

[@jeffmorse645]

In the song he absolutely was not over it! He was trying to convince himself that losing his girlfriend and best friend both and it wasn't working. He was crying on the phone to the operator. This is probably my favorite Jim Croce song - very poignant. Another great one of his is "I've Got a Name". That one is very uplifting and affirming.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

Yes, they completely missed that. He's trying to convince himself, but it's not working out.

[@jeffmorse645]

@@MichaelSimmons. I was a kid in middle school when it came out and I understood that. Funny they didn't.

[@blukeblue1235]

Yeah! This guy is still hurting and can't go through with it. My favorite as well.

[@mikegalvin9801]

They also don't get that he misses his friend as much as the girl, maybe more.

[@joshhencik1849]

Right. The "that's not the way it feels..." should have been the key there.

[@bryanCJC2105]

"But that's not the way it feels"... punches me in the gut every time.

[@Shrykespeare]

Any Jim Croce is GREAT Jim Croce. "I Got a Name" should definitely be your next one, followed by "I Have to Say I Love You in a Song". "One Less Set of Footsteps" is also amazing.

[@willdwyer6782]

Let's not forget Photographs and Memories.

[@JoeMama410]

I always took this song in the opposite way you did, that he was trying to find closure but just can’t let go of the hurt, even if he says he’s fine. This is my top Croce, along with Lover’s Cross and I Have to Say I Love You in a Song.

[@jackie_jrml]

That’s how most of us interpret it! 👍🏼

[@johnow7]

Yes. He talks about how he has overcome the blow and so on, but ends that part with "but that's not the way it feels."

[@canonfodder2068]

"I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" is sweetly, quietly beautiful.

[@kattatude6]

Lover’s Cross is such a great song.

[@idalily3810]

Yes.

[@jonsher7682]

1. The person playing lead acoustic guitar is NOT Jim Croce but his musical partner Maury Muehleisen, whose talents helped Jim rise to fame and who also sings backup vocals in Operator and in other songs, adding a depth of emotion to the chorus that elevates the emotion. Maury was only 24 when he was killed, along with Jim, in a plane crash. It is worth watching them in a live video as their chemistry together was magical. 2. Jim wrote the lyrics not about himself but about others he heard placing calls when he was in the Army reserve on a base in Georgia. Trainees were only allowed to use a pay phone at limited, designated times, so they would line up and place calls with the operator; Jim overheard this sort of call many times and wrote this song to amalgamate those stories. At that same reserve camp, he met a man from Chicago named Leroy Brown.

[@coalsojr2003]

Yes the videos of them playing live are awesome. Chemistry like that doesn't come around but a few times in a life time.

[@jvsmith7888]

Many of Jim Croce's song were inspired by real life events and experiences. The inspiration for this song is particularly sad. Back in the 1970's military bases used to have these areas where there would be dozens and dozens of telephone booths, especially at training schools. They were there so guys could go make calls home when they had a chance. Jim once did a brief stint in the Army. One night he went to use the phone to call home. While waiting in line for his turn he kept overhearing these guys who were calling home after they had just received "Dear John" letters from their wives or girlfriends. Jim said the sadness was so overwhelming. These guys worlds were falling apart, and you could almost hear the hearts breaking. This experience inspired him to write "Operator." I think he did an incredible job capturing that sadness in this song. Jim not only told great stories, but he was also great at making you feel something.

[@theConquerersMama]

Wow. I did know that. However, that was exactly the mental image I have always had.

[@krisgreenwood5173]

Been there, done it.

[@batmanforpresident9655]

Jim Croce was a great singer/songwriter who died at an early age in a tragic plane crash. His best hits include: "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song", " I Got A Name", You Don't Mess Around With Jim", "Bad,Bad Leroy Brown," "One Less Set Of Footsteps", " Photographs And Memories", "Time On A Bottle", " New York's Not My Home", "Roller Derby Queen".

[@CardiacCat]

I would add "Working at the car wash blues" to that list. It's one that I always remember even to this day.

[@edkeaton]

All of those songs that you mentioned were off of his "Photographs and Memories" CD, which I had received two days ago.

[@xperectusoxidntalis]

"I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song" is also an excellent one.

[@jodywalka2647]

RAPID ROY ONE OF MY FAVORITES

[@hopefulsisyphus6550]

Lovers Cross is another great and often forgotten about song by Jim

[@Noelle0026]

You can keep the dime-that line always gets me. Love Jim’s music. Master class in songwriting. RIP.

[@bluelionvintage8134]

And no one younger than middle age has any idea what that means

[@keithdean9149]

@@bluelionvintage8134 Yeah, how many pay phones are left in the USA compared to when the song was released? How many people under 25 even know what a pay phone is? I saw another reactor doing a live version of "Freebird" once and they said, "why does no one have their phone out recording this?" I almost wanted to cry.

[@waynecanning4122]

Yep. Instead of paying for the call he’s paying for the therapy of talking to someone. He’s realized the truth of the situation. He hasn’t moved on but now he’s gonna.

[@FlipArt57]

That always got me too whenever I try to play this on guitar. "Thank you for your time & you can keep the dime" Wow!

[@thaoldguy]

Kind of like the line in Harry Chapin’s Taxi “I stashed the bill in my shirt”

[@markvollmer4021]

Jim Croce's "I Got a Name" is one of those inspiring songs that never leave you, & I highly recommend it. 🙂

[@aimeeleslie2812]

If that song doesn't inspire you and break you down at the same time, I don't know what will. It is awesome.

[@BeachBeans2327]

That’s been my favorite song since I was born

[@BeachBeans2327]

That’s been my favorite song since I was born

[@josephcote6120]

Part of Croce's genius was being able to write songs that come across as simple at first but get deeper and deeper the more you listen to them.

[@rickwelch8464]

"There's something in my eyes, you know it happens every time". One of the all time lines.

[@bobsmythe1439]

"I can't read the number you just gave me. There's something in my eyes, happens every time" Such a great, subtle, way to say he's crying and can't read what he just wrote. So, so good.

[@charlier711]

Always like how he talks to the Operator - "you've been so much more than kind...you can keep the dime". Also, J&A I think you missed the message - he's not over it or ok with it. "I only wish my words could just convince myself that it just wasn't real" - it's a heartbreaker. RIP wonderful musician and storyteller Jim C.

[@m.vondrake5534]

If nobody else has told you yet, Jim Croce was just about to become huge when he passed away. Many of his biggest "hits" and fan favorites we released after his passing.

[@dianehenkel9088]

He still hasn’t gotten over the loss of his girl plus best friend and their betrayal. Still misses them by calling but can’t go through with it. Great song. Jim Croce died just as his career had taken off. Thanks for keeping his music alive.

[@dunringill1747]

Yup. +1 like.

[@Lakeshore14]

A fantastic singer/storyteller. Love this song. Sad he left us way too soon. 💔

[@jeffreycellini8923]

Jim Croce is a music LEGEND!!!!

[@theodoreritola7641]

John Denver was a nother 70s Singer song writer , Country roads Is some proof

[@felixramos3078]

Imagine how much more beautiful music Jim Croce would have made if he would had not died at the young age of 30 yrs old from a plane crash. R.I.P. Jim

[@twwtjohns]

Jim Croce and his accompanist Maury Meulheisen both played acoustic guitars that melded together so beautifully it was hard to tell where one started and the others stopped.

[@lilamuzik3385]

His pain and indecision so emotional in this song. You feel it.

[@andrewmcnitt8003]

One of the best singer songwriters. “I got a name” and “Box #10” are a couple great storytelling songs

[@realCaptainSanta]

Box #10 is amazing. Unreliable Narrator...

[@claytonsmith4299]

Box #10 is certainly one of my favorites. More ppl should react to it.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

Box # 10 is my all time fave.

[@christopherscorner]

This song just gets me every time I listen to it! When Jim mentions that there’s something in his eyes, the number fading from his tears… It gets me right in the gut. I feel his pain. What a beautiful, beautiful songwriter, he was.

[@joemcknight6304]

Maurice (Maury) T. Muehleisen (January 14, 1949 - September 20, 1973) was an American musician, songwriter, and artist best known for his studio work, live accompaniment, and impact on the music of Jim Croce. He died in the same plane crash that killed Croce. He provided a lot of the guitar accompianment you are hearing.

[@rozequinn1519]

The point of the song was to show how good he's doing but...he's also saying that he's really not. The line... I ONLY WISH MY WORDS COULD JUST CONVINCE MYSELF THAT IT JUST WASN'T REAL, BUT THATS NOT THE WAY IT FEELS. His song I Got A Name is wonderful

[@derekhiemforth]

This is such a great song! It's also fascinating how it can resonate so differently with different people. For example, to Jay and Amber, the caller decides that he's fine and he doesn't need to call her; he really has "overcome the blow." But to me, I hear it as he definitely has NOT overcome the blow. He gets the number, but he can't bring himself to go through with the call because he's still devastated ("there's something in my eyes") and he doesn't know what he would say anyway. Musician KZbinrs Rick Beato and Mary Spender recently did an excellent collab looking at this one. For anyone interested in that, search KZbin for this exact title: "Can Younger Generations Connect With Old Songs? w/ Mary Spender"

[@otisdylan9532]

That's how I hear the lyric too.

[@BigJohnLXV]

no, that's definitely the message of the song. he's trying to be brave, and show them he's over it; but every time he tries, his resolve breaks, because it still hurts, too much

[@LoveBandit1000]

"Jim Croce...I don't know...he was tuned, solid, into something that the rest of us just don't ever get to see." --Jerry Reed

[@bernardpayne9962]

One of my all time favorite lines:: "Operator, oh, could you help me place this call? See the number on the matchbook is old and faded." Genius!

[@LaserRanger15]

Such a moving song. Lots of us can relate. We lost a lot of good music when he died so early.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Not lost on many is the fact that this was the decade of the 'Singer/Songwriter' -- Croce, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, etc. are all in the mythical Singer/Songwriter HOF for their contributions to music. And still just a sliver of all the many genres that made the 70's very unique and special. And you could hear all of them on one station.

[@willdwyer6782]

Put Paul Simon at the top of that list.

[@Mona.555]

Don’t forget Carole King & John Denver

[@maryohara1224]

Yes, you could hear them all on the same radio station. You even got crossover hits from country, reggae, funk, Motown, swamp music, new wave, folk and all the different genres of rock. It was a musical smorgasbord, with all sorts of cross pollination. It was a time of amazing musicians and remarkable originality. So glad I was young in the '65-'85 window in America. Very inspiring music

[@Docjonel]

"I Got A Name" is my favorite Jim Croce song. Just so beautiful and timeless.

[@maryvallas772]

This song gets me every, single, time, because it's just too relatable. His genius at conveying the struggle to "overcome the blow" is intensely poignant.

[@nolantomlinson7554]

One of his best. Equally good is I’ve Got A Name and Lover’s Cross

[@StewartAngel]

I LOVE Lovers Cross

[@emeraldmaiden63]

Yes, Lover's Cross is actually my favorite Jim Croce song.

[@reneerocha1796]

Been waiting on this one….just heard today. Solid gold. There will never be another Jim Croce! ❤Also “I’ll have to say I love you in a song”

[@aragrigorian4621]

Croce telling stories about characters ought to include "Roller Derby Queen."

[@MichaelSimmons.]

An absolute must listen, for Jim Croce, is, I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song.

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

So glad y'all are playing more Croce. I love every song he ever released. Seriously, they are ALL good. He had several songs about breaking up, some more bitter than others. Check out "One Less Set of Footprints".

[@thecasper911]

I find Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot are both great folk singers, songwriters, and acoustic guitarists!

[@mcolford]

No, no, no... you're missing the point. He is heartbroken, and he's trying to convince himself that he's okay, but he's really bereft without her! It's such a sad song.

[@shawnj1966]

He calls to tell them he's over it, but he isn't, so he starts to cry, thinking about her. That's why he says he can't read the number she gave him and there's something in his eye. Tears. He then chickens out and decides not to call.

[@billp8139]

Surprised that you missed the story on this one. The lyrics Amber asked about are: "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". He's making the call trying to prove to himself that he's gotten past the relationship, but he hasn't. That's emphasized in the 2nd verse when he says: "There's something in my eyes [tears] You know it happens every time I think about the love that I thought would save me". This is the 2nd 'payphone' song I've heard you do and I wonder if you have any reference to what putting coins into a phone to make a call was like. Beyond all that, if you'd like a song very much like "Time In A Bottle". I'd recommend "Photographs & Memories".

[@gypsyrocker]

Right back to Croce!! Bravo 👏

[@user-vi4lu3eg4r]

"We Don't Cuss" I ❤ That!! Very Respectful! Oh I ❤ Jim Croce!!

[@kevinlundgren1169]

Another great song by Jim Croce is RAPID ROY THAT STOCK CAR BOY !! One of my favorites !

[@more5600]

This song was all over the radio when I was starting high school, always moves me to hear it and think about how many dated references there are in the song: operators, phone booths, matchbooks to keep info, 10 cent phone calls... Talking about storytellers, you should do "Hello In There" by John Prine

[@stonehobson2487]

John Prine is another great storyteller/musician with a unique voice and pacing. I see you've already discovered him. Really enjoy all your reaction videos.

[@jlyc1985]

Next Jim Croce’s songs: 1. Photographs and Memories 2. New York’s Not My Home 3. I Got A Name 4. Lover’s Cross

[@SaxyLament]

Jim was definitely a storyteller. I remember hearing some of his records my parents had when I was really little, but as an adult I can listen to the lyrics and really get what he was saying. Artists like Jim Croce are timeless. A century from now someone will find this song and say, "Damn, what a great song! What else did this guy sing?"

[@Yowza78]

I wonder how much of this song doesn't resonate so much anymore, because of changes in technology. I can clearly remember the days of trying to reach someone on a payphone, having to get operator assistance, being interrupted over and over to deposit more money, long distance calls being so expensive, having people walk up wanting to use the phone etc. It was a whole thing!

[@mikekling]

My FAVORITE CROCE SONG!! So glad you got around to it - makes me cry every. single. time! 😭 "Lover's Cross" and "These Dreams" are beautiful songs by him that I know you guys would enjoy - thank you again for bringing us all joy 3 times a day! Keep smilin' 🥰🥰🥰 EDITED to add - James Taylor fits into the top singer-songwriter artists as well, IMHO - 🤗

[@clydeb7713]

You're also hearing two guitars here. His musical duet partner Maury Muehleisen was also brilliant. He died in the plane crash and was only 24yrs old.

[@txheadshots]

Storytelling lyricist from the 80s: Suzanne Vega … Caramel, Tired of Sleeping, Calypso, Cracking … she’s amazing

[@areli1128]

If you want to see him perform Operator, then you can see him on"The Midnight Special". We still miss his talent, he was such a good guy!! 😔

[@mst3ktemple421]

Jim had been releasing records for a few years before he hit it big in 1972 and then through1973 he had a whole string of hits. Then right at the peak he died in a plane crash. I wept openly when I heard the news because his songs touched me so much even as a teenager. I still tear up when I hear these songs, but I love them and listen frequently. His next big hit came out right after he died and I think you would really like it. Its called "I Got A Name."

[@sandersfrancis7375]

I was a teen also at that time. It still hurts almost 50 years later. Wow!

[@krisgreenwood5173]

What a song. You should of been 17 in 1971. It has so much meaning for some of us. If you weren't around in 1971, you won't know just how much this song means to some of us. Harry Chapin and Jim Croche. You two are among the first concerts I want to see in heaven.

[@marybaillie8907]

This is the 2nd single released from You Don't Mess Around With Jim. It spent 12 weeks on the charts, and made it to 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Beautiful song. Jim was an amazing singer, storyteller and musician. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup from Canada 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 ❤️❤️ Bad Bad Leroy Brown should be next. Sadly he died in a plane crash, 😢 leaving us wondering what was next in his amazing career.

[@StewartAngel]

I saw Jim in concert MANY years ago. Thought he and his guitar were GREAT. Unfortunately he was touring the south (I'm in NorthEast Texas.) When he left here on the next stop, his plane crashed and we lost him. Only the good die young. That why I'm 74 and love everything you two do. Keep up the great work.

[@Wordsmyth8]

This is the only Jim Croce song I really love. It’s a great one.

[@wearinganapron]

Every song from Jim Croce is a winner . . . but "Operator" makes me choke up every time. : )

[@alamc200]

Jim Croce had such beautiful heartfelt songs. This is about the pain of being betrayed by his ex-best friend and his ex-girlfriend and him not only trying to convince them but also himself that he's over it but he really isn't over it. If you listen carefully to the lyrics you'll catch it. Please react to my favorite "I Got a Name", it's a beautiful song and was released a day after he tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 30.

[@kellylaflash1016]

This is one of those songs that makes me feel old ... I remember when a call on a payphone would cost you a dime.

[@kelseycurtis1546]

So glad you mentioned the great guitar playing at the 3:17 mark. Had the total package of writing /voice and musicianship.

[@mikemilne]

I think this song transcends the genre. He's calling her to say he's ok, but he's really not ok. He gets the number from the operator but "somethings in my ey, it happens every time I think about..." So he asks for help again. Finally he is overcome with emotion and can't continue. The implication in my mind is that he is so broken up and lonely that he just needs someone to talk to, and starts to bond with the anonymous phone operator- "You can keep the dime". He's a heartbroken man, shattered by the betrayal, trying to overcome by being magnanimous about it all, but in the end he's just crying out in the darkness. I hope you bring up the lyrics and give then a think, you'll find this song deeper and more touching than you now think.

[@awparadoxx]

Hey guys, One of my all time favs! Listen again Amber … He DOES need to talk to her … That’s his pride talking when he says “No one there I really wanted to talk to” “So I can call, just to tell her I’m fine and to show I’ve overcome the blow I’ve learned to take it well I only wish my words Could help convince myself That it just wasn’t real But that’s not the way it feels” He still loves her! ☺️

[@edkeaton]

A good friend of mine had turned me on to Jim Croce and his music. This was a really amazing song! You should listen to and react to two more of his famous songs. 1.)"Time in a Bottle." and 2.) "Photographs and Memories." I just received a copy of his CD entitled "Photographs and Memories" which has all three of these songs on it. Thanks for sharing and reacting to this beautiful song! In the future, could you please listen to react to some songs by the group "Midnight Star", particularly "Wet my Whistle" and "Slow Jam". You both would absolutely love those two!

[@kevinhouse4376]

They just recently reacted to "Time in a Bottle" and loved it.

[@edkeaton]

@@kevinhouse4376 Oh really? Didn't know that. Thanks for sharing that information.

[@cajunsushi]

Excellent choice guys, Jim seemed like an everyday man but with a gift with words.

[@kennethgestewitz6322]

Another great singer-songwriter that started in the 70's was Dan Fogelberg, He played all genre of music. Some of his many story songs that I love are Same Old Lang Syne a true story of a chance meeting with an old girlfriend. Another is the tribute he wrote for his father, Leader Of The Band. Played live for the first time with his mother in the audience is Forefathers , a song telling his mothers geneolgy. Then a few that are just creative stories are The Reach and Sutters Mill. His cataloge of tunes is one of the best of any era, give him a spin you won't be disapointed. Thanks.

[@GeorgeM.78]

Jim Croce is a legend, died to young. Imagine how many songs he would've have written. Again guys, another great song to react to. 👏

[@tonijohnson7628]

I used to have a hard time sleeping and one night this song came on. The power of a great singer/songwriter/ guitar player. This song broke my heart for the man talking to the operator. One other that I hope you will play is Leader of the Band by the late great Dan Fogelberg. 🤗

[@Glimmmerra]

Also 'Tell me to my Face' by Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg, one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@derekangus1354]

This is worth reposting from below: That beautiful picking all through the song was his musical partner Maury Muehleisen, who also is singing harmony with Jim. Sadly, Maury died in the same plane crash that took Jim's life. They were an amazing duo. (Jeff Demter)

[@valogden]

He was supposed to be the opening act for The Carpenters when I saw them in 1972. We were disappointed that he couldn't perform because he had laryngitis. I was 12 and his music has always meant a lot to me. Time in a Bottle reminds me of a classmate that died in a car accident. It was her favorite song and when it was played at a school dance so many left the floor were crying for her and him.

[@kleenextoes430]

Great song. My fave part is when he tells the operator: “You can keep the dime.”

[@Cheryl_Haydon]

I could be wrong, but I really think Jim Croce's music will be played for years to come. His sound is appealing to many age groups and IMO is timeless.

[@user-xl5hk3te9s]

I always loved hearing Jim Croce singing a story. He and Harry Chapin were the best. RIP, gentlemen.

[@NathanThurberMusic]

"I'll have to say I love you in a song" is a great one by him.

[@beachgirl3417]

Love this song! Jim Croce is on of my favorite singer songwriters. I'm currently reading the story of his life written by his wife Ingrid and his memoirs, called 'I Got A Name: The Jim Croce Story'. It's a very interesting and sometimes heartbreaking tale, giving even more life to these songs than before.

[@stewartmatthews1551]

Oh yeah man heck yes

[@garyshuck5546]

Lovers cross is another great by him also my favorite. Jim and Maury backed each other up well in their style of playing and Jim’s storytelling is amazing

[@davidphillips4476]

Croce is a word smith for sure. "Lovers Cross" and "NY Ain't my Home", "I Got a Name" all magnificent.

[@andreasoice5905]

Will always be one of my favorites. I've got a name or I have to say I love you in a song should be next. Try a live version. He sounds great and you get to really see him and take in the vibe he naturally gives off. You can just tell what a down to earth nice guy he must have been. I just watched a documentary on him. So worth it.💖

[@AnimeOtakuDrew]

I love this song, and I am so happy to see you react to it. My absolute favorite by Jim Croce. You guys have a much more positive take on the end of the song than I ever got from it though, the way you were talking about how he'd realized he didn't need to talk to them and was just fine and ready to move on. After the way the second verse talked about how, "there's something in my eyes, you know it happens every time," when he was trying to read the number, I took that as his eyes being blurred with tears, then when he says, "let's forget about this call; there's no one there I really wanted to talk to," it always came across to me that he was still in love with her and it was still just too painful for him to talk to her or the former friend that she left him for. Even the repeated chorus after the final verse, while it could be claimed that it is only there for the flow of the song, always felt to me like he was checking the number one last time so he could call once he really was ready to let go (and the earlier "this happens every time" implies to me this is not the first time he tried to make the call and let go but found himself unable to do so). That was just how I always interpreted the song. I like your more positive interpretation though, even if it still feels to me that the song is saying something different. As for my recommendation this time, I can't think of any more Jim Croce that you haven't reacted to off the top of my head, so I'm going to ask for a song I've been trying to get you guys to react to for over a year now. I originally asked for it around October of last year hoping that you might react to it for my birthday on November 7th. Two of my birthdays have passed since then and you haven't reacted to the song. At this point, I just want to see what you think of it. The song is "Long As I Can See the Light" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was never one of their big hits so it's often overlooked (I only know it because of a CCR boxed set my mother had when I was young), but it is such a beautiful song that it is definitely my favorite by them. I really think you'll both love it.

[@jimilemons3437]

You kind of missed it a bit, he’s not okay, he’s heartbroken. He wishes he could convince himself that he’s over it but “Thats not the way it feels.”

[@sarahdixon1943]

"... there's something in my eyes, it happens everytime I think about the love that I thought would save me ... " ... my heart breaks everytime!!

[@pattyestrada6]

I’ve been waiting for this one. It’s such a great song, with great sorry telling. Also check out “I Got A Name” another great Croce song. More suggestions: Van Morrison “Crazy Love” John Denver “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Simon and Garfunkel “America” James Taylor “Carolina In My Mind” America “Daisy Jane”

[@Glimmmerra]

Another suggestion would be "An American Tune" Simon and Garfunkle, probably one of his very best off of There Goes Rhymin' Simon

[@larrypaulausky528]

Thanks for reacting to this song, you guys. Amber and Jay, the take I have always had on this is that he ISN’T at all okay or even remotely over it. He knows he should be, he knows he has to move on, but he is still holding on to her number on a “matchbook that’s old and faded” that he couldn’t bring himself to throw away. He thinks if he can make a show of it to her by calling he might be able to fake it til he makes it. By the second verse he’s literally crying as he thinks about losing his girl and his best friend at the same time, and by the third verse he understands he can’t possibly go through with being able to hold it together while he talks with her. The guy is devastated and doesn’t know what to do next. I love how the song shows that underneath it he is a good guy who treats others with kindness and respect, thanking the Operator for her time and for talking with him. “You can keep the dime.” (In my day you had to put 10 cents into a pay phone to make any kind of call, but usually your coins were returned if you only talked with the Operator and didn’t complete an actual call to another party.) Jim Croce was the man! For a lighter number, check out his “Working at the Car Wash Blues”. It’s got such clever lyrics and such a great melody that you will be singing it to yourself for the next week after just one listen. And for another master singer/songwriter/storyteller from this era, check out Harry Chapin and “Taxi”. It is amazing to listen to. It was so good it actually got radio airplay (especially late evenings and overnights when its subject hits just right) despite its length. You folks are great to listen to and you always make ME smile. Keep up the great work!

[@charlesdavis7461]

"Time In A Bottle" One of the best song writers that I know, the lines just flow together without just rhyming. They do rhym but in a poetic way.

[@debrawilson9791]

It was my wedding song way back in ‘82. Still love it.

[@OriginalLictre]

I think the caller realized that making that call would just open the emotional wounds wider, that he wished his words could only convince himself that it just wasn't real, but that's not the way that it feels.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

That was a fun reaction. Listening to your comments about folk music and storytelling and acoustic guitar, it occurs to me that you guys would absolutely love John prine. And the folk and singer-songwriter world, he is revered and his early collection of songs in particular are so well known by so many people and they are just amazing. They're always about real issues and real people and sometimes they're tragic and emotional and sometimes they're hilarious and they're all clever and catchy and extremely well written. Just KZbin for a playlist of his greatest hits for example and you could grab anything from there and it will be amazing.

[@jwmson7791]

Angel From Montgomery!! Yess!!!

[@traog]

"It's a big old goofy world", "Hello in there", "Dear Abby", "Sam Stone" "Angel from Montgomery", later I looked, they've already done a reaction to Sam Stone.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

@@traog Yes!

[@rmb1327]

Thank you for continuing to explore Jim Croce's music. Photographs and Memories, I got a Name, New York's Not My Home, Lover's Cross, and I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song are all really emotional story songs and I am sure you will love every one of them once you have the chance to listen to them.

[@barbaragdisis4606]

Half a century after this devastating loss, A.J. - now 52 and a virtuosic multi-instrumentalist - is touring the country with Croce Plays Croce: 50th Anniversary, a night of music and memories that blends his own songs with those of the dad he barely got to know

[@viacrucis2509]

Hes not really fine in the song, but trying to convince himself he is. Jim did play guitar but those acoustic riffs are being played by the Croces great accompanist Maurice Mielhausen who sadly died in the same accident. (Spelling on last name?)

[@TheAcarch2]

Loved this song so much as a kid. What a legend. Another folk artist I highly recommend would be Dan Fogelberg. You guys will love him, he had a lot of hits in the 70s and early 80s.