Hello Operator

Album: De Stijl (2000)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lyrics are based on a hand-clapping kids' song called "Miss Susie Had a Steamboat," which has the lyrics:

    Hello operator
    Please give me number nine
    And if you disconnect me
    I'll chop of your behind
  • "That's a phone company finger-pointing song," Jack White told Sound Spike of the tune. "I hate the rip-off company. I know everyone has to have a job, everyone has to work and get a paycheck to keep everything going, but it's pathetic that the better mousetrap doesn't win out."
  • "Hello Operator" is part of the second White Stripes album, De Stijl, named after an early 20th century Dutch artistic movement. The album artwork is done in this style, but in their palette: white, red and black. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • This was the only single released from the De Stijl album. The B-side is a cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

    The single didn't chart, which wasn't surprising - the White Stripes were on an independent label and little known outside of Detroit, where they formed. Through word-of-mouth, some favorable reviews, and attention on the internet, they developed a small following that grew considerably after they released their next album, White Blood Cells, which landed them a record deal with a major label (V2). "Fell In Love With A Girl" and "We're Going To Be Friends" are popular songs from that one.
  • Beck is a big fan of the track. He told Uncut: "I feel like this is one of those songs, where it's like Jack White just bypassed the song and went straight to that feeling you want to have, where it's so raw and righteous and where people go, 'OK, now we're talking. Now we mean business.' It's simple, it's heavy it's beautiful."

Comments: 2

  • Karl from Ingatestone, United KingdomJack White is a start, and The White Stripes have living proof that by 2003, they were and still are a fantastic live band
  • Alden from Asheville, Nc"Turn the oscillator...twist it with a dollar bill..."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.