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Sade — Smooth Operator
Album: Diamond Life
Avg rating:
7.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3296









Released: 1984
Length: 4:10
Plays (last 30 days): 0
He's laughing with another girl
And playing with another heart
Placing high stakes, making hearts ache
He's loved in seven languages
Diamond nights and ruby lights, high in the sky
Heaven help him, when he falls

Diamond life, lover boy
He moves in space with minimum waste
And maximum joy
City lights, business nights
When you require street-car desire
For higher heights
No place for beginners or sensitive hearts
When sentiment is left to chance
No place to be ending but somewhere to start

No need to ask, he's a smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator
Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male
Across the north and south to Key Largo
Love for sale

Face to face, each classic case
We shadow box and double cross
Yet need the chase
A license to love, insurance to hold
Melts all your memories
And change into gold
His eyes are like angels but
His heart is cold

No need to ask, he's a smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator
Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male
Across the north and south to Key Largo
Love for sale
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Smooth operator, smooth operator
Comments (112)add comment
Cool, sophisticated, and effortlessly elegant.
Goddess. Nuff said.
wow. in 1984 you had sade at one of the spectrum and suzanne vega at the other.

each with killer debut albums
 nicknt wrote:

The first original verse is completely missing, the song is shorter than the album version, at least in Europe.

another overplayed in its time gem. nice to hear it now after a long break so would be great to hear it all

 timmus wrote:

How did we ever go from this to the absolute garbage of today in just 20-30 years?  I mean just go see what kind of music YouTube is pushing.




I guess you should look at who's pushing modern mainstream music.  There you will find your answer.
I hear all the muses singing to me


They were called Melete or "Practice", Mneme or "Memory" and Aoide or "Song".
... and SADE
Spoon operator. Everybody loves to spoon.
 thomas1020 wrote:
Read the RP blog, things changed...
 
Glad I did... very interesting update, lots of thought provoking info in there too.
 
 murrayn wrote:


Rebecca has no say?


Read the RP blog, things changed... 
How did we ever go from this to the absolute garbage of today in just 20-30 years?  I mean just go see what kind of music YouTube is pushing.
The first original verse is completely missing, the song is shorter than the album version, at least in Europe.
 LaurieinTucson wrote:

when this song was popular, my husband was working as a boom operator in the movies
so, you know what we would sing to him...




Boom operator!!  Too Funny!!   
This is not the integral song, there is a cut in the intro.
One of her best songs.
Do like a bit of Sade, always reminds me of warm summer nights and sandy beaches. Smooth talking f***** 
Hoping we'll see a return of the elegantly bitter FU song (this & You're So Vain are examples) now that Harry Styles is roaming the land. 
In my opinion, you just can't get any smoother, groovier, or sexier than this -- and Sade did it so often and so well! Everywhere I've heard this playing, from divey hostels in Darwin to elegant hotels in Singapore, from the beaches of northern Peru to Mae Sai on the Thai-Burma border, hearing this, everyone always gets the same blissed-out look... It's so INCREDIBLY DIVINE!
 healmclau wrote:
Listening to this song with Spanish ears is fun. When the chorus comes, it seems to say "es una porrera, es una porrera, costo, costo". Translation: "she is a reefer-smoker, she is a reefer-smoker, hemp, hemp".

I love it, the new and great RP game can be:  Misheard Lyrics; Foreign Language Edition!!

LLRP
 goodwin21 wrote:

how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 

Maybe she meant Gold Coast wrt Chicago.

He's a tool operator
Toooool operator
 
(for all the Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans)
She is a feast for the ears and eyes.. 
Great song! 

Anyway,  you should try the Meshell Ndegeocello's version, on his album "Ventriloquism"... 😉 
 LaurieinTucson wrote:

when this song was popular, my husband was working as a boom operator in the movies
so, you know what we would sing to him...



'Boom operator!'  Do I win a prize?
GREAT!!! ICONIC!!!
Listening to this song with Spanish ears is fun. When the chorus comes, it seems to say "es una porrera, es una porrera, costo, costo". Translation: "she is a reefer-smoker, she is a reefer-smoker, hemp, hemp".
She is among the greatest.
 farmersdotter2 wrote:


What happens when a spelling Nazi becomes aware of geography


Posted 4 days ago by farmersdotter2: Proclivities wrote:


At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the
States, but answer number 1 is likely correct. Plus, it's a matter a
referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast,
LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.

I don't think farmersdotter2 understands the creative process.




What happens when a spelling Nazi becomes aware of geography
great voice and band
golden years!!!
 Proclivities wrote:

At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the States, but answer number 1 is likely correct.  Plus, it's a matter a referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast, LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.


What happens when a spelling Nazi becomes aware of geography
 funkyalfonso wrote:

Long ago British comedian Lenny Henry sang this song on his tv show. He's a big guy wearing a short dress singing..." I'm so boring " to this tune. 


Which is ironic, really, since Lenny Henry is terminally boring.
Long ago British comedian Lenny Henry sang this song on his tv show. He's a big guy wearing a short dress singing..." I'm so boring " to this tune. 
Always thought she was saying AT&T had smooth operators
 fredhatman wrote:

Good man. All I'll say is I bumped into her at the sandwich counter at M&S in Camden in 1989 and when she looked at me and smiled (politely), I lost control of my knees.



I had front row seats to a show in Phoenix on Lover's Rock tour, and was there with my big gay boyfriend. She was alarmingly gorgeous, like verging on scary and unnatural degrees of perfection and beauty. I've never seen anyone so beautiful in real life -- she's hit a point where she no longer looks human, like we shouldn't be able to reach that. And she was just casually strolling around the stage in a white linen outfit, barefoot.

I don't think it takes away from someone's talent or artistic success to notice they are the most beautiful person you've ever seen in your life. Just don't measure their value on it. If you expected her to be a pretty girl and then hear "Pearls" or "Slave Song" you are about to be in for a very brutal experience. 
 MrsTom wrote:
This came out when I was 12.  Now I'm much older, I still dislike it. 
 

Diamond Life was the first LP I asked for as a Christmas present when I was 12 ('84).  Was quickly followed by Remain in Light (on CD) and then I wandered off into Tull...

Still like it.
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Back in the days when men were still allowed to find women attractive I thought Sade was utterly gorgeous with a fabulous smoky voice. However, I am now fully PC compliant and I only respect her as an artist.

 
Good man. All I'll say is I bumped into her at the sandwich counter at M&S in Camden in 1989 and when she looked at me and smiled (politely), I lost control of my knees.
This came out when I was 12.  Now I'm much older, I still dislike it. 
Get me outta this elevator! 
This song brings me wayyyy back to when I was a kid listening to the local jazz station going to sleep. Such a relaxing song
Perfect timing for this song. Wifey and I are now heading to beddy bye.
She's like the female Phil Collins.  Easy listening, unoffensive, unremarkable, completely forgettable...
Please note that this is an abridged version, which cuts the beginning of the song.
It’s bubblegum but I like it. 
Sax is always good.
"Coast to coast, L.A. to Chicago"


Quick, someone get this girl a map!
 Triquel67 wrote:


OK that's just funny, I needed the laugh today, Thank You, now guess what I hear? and I don't even know you guys...
 

Yep . . . . me too now.
Great song!
 thatslongformud wrote:
Many years ago my girfriend (at the time) had a bra that she called her "boob separator" and she sang this song every time she put it on.  I can't hear this song without hearing those improved lyrics in my head
 

OK that's just funny, I needed the laugh today, Thank You, now guess what I hear? and I don't even know you guys...
 Lcdemack wrote:
Come on RP, Love Sade but she's got many amazing songs and this is your pick?
Go deep. She get's much more to offer.
 
So you didn't click on the Sade link, then?

She does have many amazing songs.  IMO, this is one of them.
Many years ago my girfriend (at the time) had a bra that she called her "boob separator" and she sang this song every time she put it on.  I can't hear this song without hearing those improved lyrics in my head
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Back in the days when men were still allowed to find women attractive I thought Sade was utterly gorgeous with a fabulous smoky voice. However, I am now fully PC compliant and I only respect her as an artist.

 

That's the biggest BS I've heard in quite some time.  Love the sarcasm though.
Come on RP, Love Sade but she's got many amazing songs and this is your pick?
Go deep. She get's much more to offer.
 danmcminn wrote:
 Proclivities wrote:

At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the States, but answer number 1 is likely correct.  Plus, it's a matter a referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast, LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.
There's "Long Island." Which gives you nice alliteration. Or she could have punted and said "LA through Chicago." So it's just a place along the way...
 
There's that island, watchacallit, Manhattan?

 ScottishWillie wrote:

Back in the days when men were still allowed to find women attractive I thought Sade was utterly gorgeous with a fabulous smoky voice. However, I am now fully PC compliant and I only respect her as an artist.

 

Well said, both of you
The gold standard of sexiness.
 meatmike wrote:


Sorry, "fitting in" and "RP" are mutually exclusive.
Bill plays what Bill plays and we're all better off for it...
 
In that case how 'bout a little Basia (and a virtual buck to anyone who can spell
much less pronounce her last name...;-)

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
favourite Artist ever!!! I would love to see her in Germany or Italy... please come over :)
timeless
Happy Birthday Sade!
Fun fact: despite the sophisticated image, the eighties marble and chrome and cocaine, the band were actually living in a squat.
Democracy allows me to be okay with adding my point of view on this type of tune. The soundtrack to a flawed dinner party.
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Back in the days when men were still allowed to find women attractive I thought Sade was utterly gorgeous with a fabulous smoky voice. However, I am now fully PC compliant and I only respect her as an artist.

 

+1

watch her lovers life concert video - the woman is properly dressed on stage the only skin showing are her bare feet - but still, besides her brilliant music this is, she sprawls more erotic than all this half-naked twerking girls running currently for fame
 brw001 wrote:
Doesn't seem to fit in with what is mostly played on this station but a nice relaxing song.
 

Sorry, "fitting in" and "RP" are mutually exclusive.
Bill plays what Bill plays and we're all better off for it...
Sexy.
 lizardking wrote:
I've had a crush on Sade for almost 30 years
Great track!
Thanks BillG!  
 
Back in the days when men were still allowed to find women attractive I thought Sade was utterly gorgeous, with a fabulous smoky voice. However, I am now fully woke and I only respect her as an artist.

when this song was popular, my husband was working as a boom operator in the movies
so, you know what we would sing to him...
 goodwin21 wrote:
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 
 

"Coast to coast, L.A. to Chicago
I don't know geography all that well"
- The Strokes, Drag Queen
Sweet 80s
 Proclivities wrote:

At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the States, but answer number 1 is likely correct.  Plus, it's a matter a referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast, LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.
There's "Long Island." Which gives you nice alliteration. Or she could have punted and said "LA through Chicago." So it's just a place along the way...
Man, this is so perfect and so timeless... Just had to upgrade from 9 to 10!!
Doesn't seem to fit in with what is mostly played on this station but a nice relaxing song.
 mrtuba9 wrote:
 ScottishWillie wrote:

4. They didn't care about geography?

I'm doing Route 66 in October and I think I'll add this to my playlist.

You stopped in Bloomington, IL and Pontiac Illinois!!!

 
I went through both towns and thoroughly enjoyed my trip. The only thing better than the scenery was the people I met. Saving for my next road trip already!
Ugg . . . . whipper snapper I was pushing my kids stroller in the 80's
mrselfdestruct wrote:
Reminds me of being pushed around in a stroller through the mall in the 80s.
 

I like being able to rate a song the same as I rate the artist....10 for both here....damn Sade!!  Long Live RP!!
 Proclivities wrote:

At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the States, but answer number 1 is likely correct.  Plus, it's a matter a referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast, LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.
 
or maybe it is number 4 is it poetry?
Reminds me of being pushed around in a stroller through the mall in the 80s.
 elpicador84 wrote:
Great...great song!!! 
 

Hard to believe she is 11 years older than me... Accomplished!!!
You are a person very comfortable in your self to admit that! More peope should be the same! Peace!
DaveInVA wrote:
I always thought she was singing "She's as huge as a refrigerator" {#Stupid}
 

Great...great song!!! 
When this song came out in the mid 80's, I was in a warm hotel lobby in Rio checking in with my wife. No A/C but there were 4 ceiling fans spinning slowly and keeping the air moving. There was some background music playing and I was thinking the only thing missing  in this scene is "Smooth Operator" playing.....

Next song up - there it was. Perfect. Great memory. Oh, awesome beaches, too!

 goodwin21 wrote:
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 
 

Simple, she needed a city name that rhymed or sounded like Key Largo. I think it's just lyric writing expediency on display. 
 ScottishWillie wrote:

4. They didn't care about geography?

I'm doing Route 66 in October and I think I'll add this to my playlist.

You stopped in Bloomington, IL and Pontiac Illinois!!!

fuck off DaveInVA wrote:
I always thought she was singing "She's as huge as a refrigerator" {#Stupid}
 

In a class all by herself (a class by themselves, if you count Sade, the band).
The outdoor concert that I have on video shows how Sade  herself & all the musicians are stars and all stars are "out of this world"
I can't believe the release date. Damn I'm getting old {#Music}
 goodwin21 wrote:
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 
 
LA to Chicago ... south to Key Largo.  Dunno if Key Largo is technically on the east coast, but it's close enough for me.
I clearly remember the moment I heard this the first time. I was browsing in a record store in Oakland, and the guy behind the counter put it on, and announced to us.. "everybody dance..."

What a brilliant tune. Just freakin' brilliant.
 goodwin21 wrote:
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 

 
4. They didn't care about geography?

I'm doing Route 66 in October and I think I'll add this to my playlist.
Just Love her voice!
Tune !
ELEVEN
I always thought she was singing "She's as huge as a refrigerator" {#Stupid}
DX7 for ever
She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym-class.
Well, Chicago IS on a coast...
 goodwin21 wrote:
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 

 
At the time this song was written they probably had not been to the States, but answer number 1 is likely correct.  Plus, it's a matter a referring to an East Coast city with three syllables: "coast to coast, LA to New Haven" wouldn't have sounded as intriguing.
how come the lyrics go:
"coast to coast, LA to Chicago....... "

is that a reference to
1. coast to coast, PLUS LA to Chicago,

2. or a veiled reference to RT 66?

3. or they didn't understand geography?

any input?
 
I've had a crush on Sade for almost 30 years
Great track!
Thanks BillG!  

Godlike   : )
Kevin Spacey rolling his eyes
{#Sunny}
https://media.giphy.com/media/AUB8ykyiR9ylq/giphy.gif
I bought this album when it came out in England and loved it beginning to end. This reminds me why. Great song.
Image result for muppets smooth oporator gif
 Danimal174 wrote:
You know, I liked this well enough back in the day, but it really hasn't aged well, in my opinion.
Comes across as cheesy now. 
 
Well, there's good cheese and bad cheese, and this is some fine cheese.  ; )
Sounds much better than Smooth 411.


You know, I liked this well enough back in the day, but it really hasn't aged well, in my opinion. Comes across as cheesy now. Oh, well...there's still "No Ordinary Love". 
 

"Last play: Dec 4, 2001"

Wow!

I'm happy to hear this has been resurrected.
{#Whistle} Still waiting to hear this played.....
love at first hear...
I can't believe that the beautiful Sade's first No. 1 song hasn't been added till I uploaded it 4 months ago and it only just got added to the regular station.