Tears streaming as I listen to your commentary. Knowing that you have recognized our brother Maury’s musical talent is heartwarming. It’s 49 years now and the memories are like an unbelievable yesterday. Thank you for remembering and honoring their lives.

I have been a trucker for 50 years. The day Croce died I was delivering a load of beef in LaSalle St in downtown Chicago. I was a big fan of his music. While tuning to WLS one of Croce's songs had just ended when the DJ announced that he had died. Then Operator came on... I was so sad. I had sung along with his songs, played on my 8 track, for 100,000 miles or more. The world is always a little better when I hear his music. Thank you Rick. Thank you ( and I love you) Mary.

I too was crying through the entire commentary. Before Jim Croce ever recorded, I was a friend of his and his wife, Ingrid's. I was 5 or so years younger, a folk guitar accompanist (I still play at 75) and part of a group who used to meet at Jim's old white farmhouse near Lindell (IIRC), in the western exurbs of Philadelphia around 1970. We'd sit around on the lawn drinking beer, playing guitars, singing traditional songs & some of Jim & Ingrid's earliest works (see his album "Jim & Ingrid Croce" from the late '60s for these) & having the time of our lives. Everybody could see that, if he ever got his break, Jim was going to be something extra special in the folk world. The songs that he had already written were among the best I've ever heard with "Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels)" in the #1 position ("Operator" was officially listed as written in 1972, but Jim recorded it on singles as early as the mid-60s). I have always loved the way Jim & Maury blended their guitar styles to the point where 1 + 1 was so much greater than 2. They combined to blend all of the best of Martin guitars' low & high ranges. I'd love to see you analyze "Time in a Bottle" (which reached #1 on the charts posthumously), another song I simply can't listen to without crying. Play it all the way through before you start to dissect it for its full effect. The thought of all that Jim and Maury missed in life that should have been their time to shine to the world is tragic. It is always crushing to lose a friend, but to see Jim & his brilliance, along with Maury's, which sadly passed almost unnoticed outside of the musician world) resurrected 5 decades later is a remarkable synthesis of Joy and Sadness. Thank you for rediscovering Jim's "Operator," one of the all-time most moving songs I've ever heard. Perhaps the perfect song. BTW, not only did Ingrid perform herself for a number of years before opening her restaurant in California, but Jim's son, A. J. does remarkable covers of his father's songs.

There was no Jim without Maury. Great song writer, great guitar backing. Outstanding time to grow up.

I saw his son in concert last year and he explained where this song came from. His father was in the army stationed at Fort Dix, and when the soldiers had free time, they'd line up at the only pay phone on base to wait their turn to call home to talk to their girls. While he waited for his turn, he heard one side of tragedies playing out before his eyes as soldier's girls moved on while they were away. As a song writer, he realized it was pure gold.

Rick I hate to admit it … but every single time this masterpiece of a tune comes on … someone starts chopping onions 🥲

This song has always murdered me. Croce was able to communicate what the rest of us can only feel. Brilliant.

Jim is just like a shooting star. A short burst of amazing that left us wanting for more.

I'm 33, and have never used a payphone and this song is still more relatable than 99% of what gets written these days.

I played this song for a 19 year old co-worker (I’m 63) and he was just amazed at the lyrics. He said not only was Jim Croce a great storyteller, he transported you into the role of the person in the song, that you were living the experience and feeling the emotions. I knew he truly got it.

I've listened to this song hundreds of times, but still every single time the "you can keep the dime..." line gives me the feels.

Love this. The guy has lost his girlfriend and his best old ex-friend, and he's lonely. The only person available to talk to is the operator. So this song is about heartbreak, but it's also about the loneliness that follows from that. A beautiful song.

i’m a 17 year old girl and i’ve had a strong emotional connection to Jim Croce’s music ever since last year. he’s gotten me through hard times 🤍 young people can totally connect to older music although the lyrics may describe a world we can’t fully relate to, the emotions held in the music transcends the barriers :)

I'm 78 years old, and a former telephone and directory assistance operator, mostly all-night shift. Loved it! Every time I hear this song, he is singing to me! I can so relate to this! ♥ Such a classic and clever song!

I’m 68 and you two have helped me appreciate this song even more than I have for the last 50 years. Your analysis took it to another level. Thank you.

Croce is one of my all time favorite song writers and he died 5 years before I was born. I grew up listening to him and Lightfoot and all these greats from that era. Just an amazing writer.

'Operator' is one of the greatest examples of storytelling in a song.

There is more to this story. Jim's inspiration came from this time in the army in the 1960s. I served in the 80s and it was the same. There were pay phones near the barracks and soldiers would line up for their turn calling home to talk to their parents, wives, and girlfriends. That "old friend" Ray had the universal name of "Jody" among soldiers and he was the guy who would steal your girl while you were away. We even had cadences we sang while running and marching about what we would do to "Jody" when we got back home. Many times, the soldier found out during one of these not so private phone calls and the other soldiers in the line could hear enough to know that Jody has struck again. Any soldier who served before cell phones can identify with this part of military service. I recall an interview Croce gave where he explained all this as his inspiration for Operator.

"There's something in my eye... you know it happens every time I think about the love that I thought would save me" What a sad yet relatable line. Great analysis, Mary and Rick.

Rick, even to this day when I hear the line, "I've overcome the blow, I've learned to take it well...," I get the chills! That line is sooo good!

Jim Croce was such a phenomenal songwriter because he could make meaningful and deep emotional connections with the listener with conversational diction while being musically fluid yet deceptively complicated. I always recommend him to others in my generation (Millennials), hoping they will take the time to truly listen and appreciate his music.

The genius of this song is the way the character reveals his feelings by the manner in which he denies those feelings. Croce isn't telling the listener how the guy feels, he's leaving the listener to figure it out, which is much more powerful. It's like overhearing someone else's heartbreaking phone call when you're not a party to the call.

I absolutely love this song and Maury's guitar fills are so well done, it's timeless magic.

66 years old and been listening to this song for years. It still gets me. Goosebumps and tears. What a song. Great respect for your analysis and the respect you show the music.

Croce, in his very short career, set himself up next to the other great lyricists of the era like Gordon Lightfoot and Simon and Garfunkel. His ability to craft an environment and emotion succinctly and creatively was truly masterful.

Few musicians who died tragically left as big a hole in music of an era as Croce. He was just getting started, just attracting fame, snd then he was gone. The loss is bigger than most of us realize. He was a quiet superstar and we were just beginning to come to grips with his genius. We were all enriched by his music, and all impoverished by his premature passing.

Such a brilliant song. Jim didn't live long enough to see how loved he was.

This is such an awesome ‘story song’ from the ‘70’s. Love how concise and pointed and dense the lyrics are.

I was at his last concert at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Such a solid performance that night, the singing, guitar playing, harmony... all of it. He did "I got A Name" which was released the next day. Such a full life, productively, in such a short time span. One of a kind.

The fact that Croce could play this complicated song but sing it in such a way shows just how great of a musician he truly was.

The 'live' version of "Operator" is stunning, so well played and sung. You must check out all his songs, they're brilliant.

I would immediately purchase these two doing a complete studio remake of this song.

The really poetic thing about this song is how the "operator" is the only one who hears his struggle between sadness and acceptance. In the face of the operator's absolute stoicism he forgoes his effort to reach out, his tenuous acceptance yields to his profound sadness. It's as if he's speaking to the Oracle at Delphi, to whom he leaves his dime offering. Maury's upper register embellishments make the melody.

10:28 the depth of the singer’s tragedy is revealed in the line, “I think about a love that I thought would save me.” Thus, rather than overcoming the blow, he is interminably devastated by the loss of someone who was to be his savior. The upbeat melody aligns with the facade of recovery found in the lyric. This facade and its aligned melody make the listener’s discovery of the real meaning, all the more jolting. The song is a masterpiece.

I attended A.J. Croce's concert last night. What a wonderful storyteller & entertainer he is. We all laughed, cried & sang along to the songs. It was a magical night. Extra appreciation for your video. LOVE

One of my all time favorite songs. I have sat and contemplated the lyrics to this song. His cadence and conversation with himself is unparalleled songwriting. Unsung hero of this song is Maury. Could listen to this a million times and never get sick of it.

One of the GREATEST songs ever written. Jim's writing & Maury's guitar was just incredible.

So there are at least two people who appreciate this exceptional song as much as I do! My take on the lyrics has always been that he never intended to complete the call in the first place; he just wanted to pour his heart out to a disinterested party - one who wouldn't tell him where he went wrong or how he was better off without her, but someone who would just listen. Been there.

The joy on her face when singing along is awesome! That’s exactly how this music makes me feel! ❤❤❤

Rick Beato and Mary Spender, a songwriting tour de force. Rick discussing song structure and style, and Mary discussing the emotion invoked by lyrics and vocalization. They could teach a class… Outstanding content!

In my opinion, this song should be the introduction to EVERY songwriting 101 class. Everything about it is just so perfect! Sorry I'm 3 months late to the party on this video, but I'm so glad you two did this! What a gift Jim gave us!

I love the way Mary slips in the vocal, in a seemingly casual way...and it's heaven.

The line “a guy she says she knew well and sometimes hated”…I always took it to mean that the girl loved the other guy from the start, but she just told Jim she hated him to cover up the fling until they finally just ran off together. And the line “you can keep the dime” is one of my favorite lines ever written. It’s just a perfect way to end such a deep song with such a seemingly flippant comment. It’s like the narrator is so crushed and emotionally drained and ashamed of what just happened it’s all he has left to say.

He was a very good story teller, thats the reason for the many quick changes in chords, talking in melodies😊

This is probably one of the most underrated songs in history. The guitar parts are unbelievable and the story is so well told.

As a huge Croce fan, I need a cover album of his hits sung by Mary. Such a gorgeous voice for this material.

I was in high school in the 70s and used up many a dime on a pay phone trying to get hold of my old crush who lived several miles away. For anyone who has gone through a relationship that went south, you can FEEL the emotion Jim Croce was able to put into song in such a great way!

I was 14 years old when this more-than-beautiful song came out. I couldn't help but see my sweet mother's eyes tear up, & some facial tension appeared, too. ❤ In my naive youth, I remember thinking that the 'operator' and the man calling would actually get together, run off into the gorgeous sunset together, & live happily ever after. Yes. That is exactly what I had so hoped for. ❤

Warning: Even after 30-40 years this song could make you cry... long after you have overcome the blow. Brilliant. A showcase example of what music can do to, and for us.

This song still makes me teary eyed, especially when he says, there’s something in my eyes. It’s a masterpiece, they don’t write them like this anymore. Jim Croce was a legend, what a tragic ending to a beautiful soul. Gut wrenching.

Mary singing in that low register sounds so good! Rick you are no hack at anything you’ve played ever! Talented and fun to watch as always.

Listening to the album “Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” I’m struck with the fact that all the songs are between 2 and 3 minutes long! To pull heart strings in such compressed little songs is a testament to his refined writing ability. There’s a new high quality upload of Jim and Maury hosting Midnight Special- don’t miss it! The live sound is very clean and revealing.

Jim deserves incredible accolades for his gift of word. Storytellers always got to me. The complexity that comes out of a few well placed words, open up a canvas for your own mind to paint. That's a rare gift. Just look at how Rick and Mary react. They know!

Jim could have won an academy award for his vocal performance on this song. His delivery is upbeat but no one is buying it, and that’s intentional. “I only wish my words could convince myself.” Is the theme here. He’s incredibly sad and acting upbeat. It is absolutely perfect. His “I’m okay” act gets less and less convincing as the song goes on. His voice takes on more agitation, and then finally sadness. I’ve never heard a more perfect lyrical interpretation and he made it sound effortless. Breathtaking.

I can’t thank you two enough for this. I was 17 when the song came out, just starting college, and it moved me immediately. Croce was dead before I was even eligible to vote; I remember crying when I heard the news of his passing. Your spot on analysis, of course, broadens an appreciation that was always great. Still makes me tear up so many years later.

This is one of my favorite songs. It tells a story in such a concise and heartfelt way with resignation and a calm vibe. He left way too soon!

Congratulations Mary and Rick, an absolutely outstanding and significant analysis of one of the greatest lyricists. I am a 77 year old guitarist, and I must say that the admiration and care you brought to this presentation put something in my eye. Please keep up the excellent work, you make a great team, we need more of this type of format. Thank you.

I think this quick chords changes are indicative of the narrator's feelings about the whole situation. Genius songwriting. Absolutely brilliant.

I was born in '78. I recognize every cultural reference in this song. But you're right, its dated but at the same time timeless. Croce is one of the finest storytellers ad pssionate artists of all time, and I mis the potential he could hav e given us.

Thank you for talking about Jim Croce. He belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He did so much in such little time.

I think Mary needs to record this tune. Her voice fits the song like a glove.

I’m 18 years old and he is my favorite artist by far. I love his whole discography from Facets to the home recordings album in 2003, a year i wasn’t even born in yet lol. My friends all poke fun because i listen to Jim Croce and Bread, but I couldn’t think of anything else I’d want to listen to more!

Just the words “my best old ex-friend Ray” sets up the mood and the story for the rest of the song.

This song takes me back to my youth in the 60s and 70s. I don't think he ever wanted to call , was just pouring out his heart to the operator . Such a beautiful song. Rest in peace fellas. 🎸 🎸

This is a major reason i don't listen to newer music. I want to hear songs that take me on a journey...or tells a story. We are over saturated with Beats. The older I get (44) the less I'm impressed by technical brilliance and the more i'm into the lasting memories. Mary Spender is a Treasure!

This is why I love this channel *SO MUCH!* You take apart songs that I've heard literally hundreds, if not thousands, of times, and make me see something new in them. Every. Single. Time. It's a gift, man. Really wonderful!

Jim is one of the great "what ifs" of music. Imagine all of the amazing songs he could have blessed us with... This has been one of my favorite songs for decades.

When I was a child I watched his award get accepted for him. Singer songwriters like Jim and Bread made the heart hurt. These masterpieces grip the soul out of everyone's experiences. Snapshots of the life in melancholy melodic strife. Anyone who has loved and been rejected is served in verse now reflected. This is Legend...... My 2 cents, you can keep the 8

It’s almost like the guitar is the operator responding back through the melody. Amazing

Such a great song. The upbeat melody is the musical equivalent of the exterior facade that he is conveying in the first verse. His true feelings are revealed more with each verse until we learn that he has tried to call on many occasions but can’t bring himself to accept what happened and he really just needs to tell someone how he is feeling.

This lyric could be made into a two hour movie just on its own. It tells us so much in just a few verses and choruses.

The lyrics are so fantastic because they paint a picture and set the stage of a vast screenplay in the mind that is a half-hour longer and a few thousand words bigger than the song itself.

He doesn't just sing songs, he sings songs about real people in real situations. That's a lost art.

Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen were the embodiment of the most exquisite expression of lyrical content and musical composition I've ever seen. Gone too soon.

Jim Croce is one of the best songwriters who ever lived. And his singing is so great with breathy tones, connected tones, and getting to the vowels so beautifully. Love him and miss him.

OMG, when Mary started singing, I was blown away by her voice.

Jim and Maury were both very talented individually but together were magic. Such a loss, RIP.

Imagine 1992 and a bunch of 12-year-old punk skateboarder troublemakers sitting around in a basement listening to this song over and over! That was me and my friends. Our parents were jaw dropped that we all love this song so much.

You both seem so relaxed and happy! Good on you!! Thank you for sharing!

I remember 10 cent phone calls. Very well. This is a great song. Takes me back to my childhood days. 70s

Jim Croce. Yes. I’m 63. We all had his three albums plus the hits package, “Photographs and Memories.” So talented. Brilliant. Even if we were rockers into the Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath… we were also fans of Croce.

I went through a huge Jim Croce discovery period in high school, and I graduated in 1991, so his music was a little "before my time" so-to-speak. I have often described Croce's writing as that he had the ability to take 'War and Peace' and condense it into three verses and a chorus. A total and complete lyrical genius! Some of my favorite songs of his are ones that weren't even the biggest hits! He was taken from us way too soon.

JC lived less than 30 yrs but so much impact he brought to us by his powerful songs. He can be more famous and legendary if he is alive until today. Long live JC

Grew up on his greatest hits vinyl... so beautiful. Sang a Time in a Bottle as a solo in chorus concert... he was amazing

Maury Muehleisen's licks were like mini-compositions on their own. They are also easy to transfer to other songs.

Great job guys! One of the first tunes I learned on guitar. Jim’s widow Ingrid said that when Jim was in the military the soldiers would line up to use the phone to call their wives and girlfriends and Jim took little tidbits that he overheard. Lots of dear John conversations. He took these bits and along with poetic license, he crafted a heartbreakingly beautiful song. Martin produced a Jim Croce signature guitar with a 1973 dime for the 3rd fret marker. Wonderful idea and tribute.

I love this song so much after all these years. It still pulls on my heart. So deep, and even the guitar work is deep. He comes across as just a regular guy who took a devastating hit. I really love that he gives insight into the heartbreak that a guy you might know has experienced. He’s my favorite singer/songwriter of the era, and there were some great ones.

I tear up everytime I hear this song. What a talent. Heaven must have a wonderful band.

I was in Junior High when he died in that plane crash. I didn't know who he was at the time, but I can still see my teacher in tears on the ground just loosing it and remember wondering just who this person was that could cause such a reaction. Years later I learned just what a great artist he really was. 💔😭

I have always thought that "You can keep the dime" was one of the best lines ever written in a song.

This is one of the of my favorites. Being a child of the 60s/70s (I’m a couple years older than you Rick) I don’t even have a second thought of all the things that don’t exist today. My absolute life song has always been “I’ve got a name”. It’s one I’ve always fell back to in times of personal turmoil.

My mom had the album "Photographs and Memories". A KZfaq short of "Operator" came on my feed and after watching "Jim Croce Live In Concert", video which was a compilation of songs from his concerts along with photographs and he'd tell the backstory of the some of the songs, I ended up here. I hadn't heard "Operator" in years and was impressed that I still remembered the lyrics to that and many of the other songs on the album. You're right. He was an excellent songwriter and it leaves one with the feeling of what could have been if he and Maury had lived longer. Those two and my mom were gone too soon (my mom passed in "99). Thank you for covering this song. I haven't been on your channel in awhile. Congrats on over 4 mil subscribers Rick. You earned it!

Mary's voice is such a great fit for that song. Beautifully done. Croce was a Philly guy, where I grew up, and still a local hero.

OMG!!! You & Mary should do this way more often. Amazing chemistry! I'd be good with weekly, but monthly is probably closer to realistic.

This was magical! Thank you so much for doing this video and sharing your time with all of us!

Jim Croce was one of my favorite singers whose life was cut short tragically I relate to everything he sang because that was my era of music well written and sung by such a great artist miss his great voice and talent.

You can feel Jim’s emotion. He just needed someone to talk to about his pain and the operator was his listener 😢

I love this. All of the touches to the past. Matchbooks and scribbling notes on them, and a dime for a call on a phone in a phone booth. I'm 69, and this song was popular when all of these things were current.

One of the greatest songs ever written!!! One of the saddest tragedies when Jim and Maury passed, along with other passengers, on the plane. A true poet and storyteller and musician!!! Thank you for presenting this.

This song brings me right back to the 70s. What a beautiful song!