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Smooth Operator
Sade Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 move in space with minimum waste and maximum joy
City lights and business nights
When you require streetcar 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, L.A. 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, L.A. 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
Smooth operator

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sade's song Smooth Operator describe a man who is a master of seduction and charm, moving through the world effortlessly and with maximum joy. He is a smooth operator, moving from coast to coast, selling his love as a commodity. The song makes clear that he is not for the faint of heart or those easily moved by sentiment, as he is a shadow boxer and double crosser who relishes the chase.


The lyrics of Smooth Operator portray this character as a seasoned traveler who is able to effortlessly move through different cities and social situations. He sells his love as a product, and the song suggests that his heart may be cold despite the charming exterior presented to the world. Sade's voice provides a smooth and sultry counterpoint to the lyrics, luring the listener into the world of the smooth operator. Though he may be a master of his game, the lyrics also hint at a loneliness at the heart of his lifestyle, as he is always on the move and never truly able to settle down.


Line by Line Meaning

Diamond life, lover boy
Living a life of luxury, this man is popular among women.


He move in space with minimum waste and maximum joy
He moves with efficiency and enjoyment.


City lights and business nights
He thrives in urban and work environments.


When you require streetcar desire for higher heights
To achieve more in life, passion and drive are necessary.


No place for beginners or sensitive hearts
This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart.


When sentiment is left to chance
When emotions are not controlled or managed.


No place to be ending but somewhere to start
Life is not about finality, but rather continuance and new beginnings.


No need to ask, he's a smooth operator
No further inquiry is necessary, this man is skilled and clever.


Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male
He travels across the United States, from Los Angeles to Chicago, as a confident man.


Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale
He travels across the country, selling love and affection to all those who pay for it.


Face to face, each classic case
In person meetings, each one a textbook example.


We shadow box and double cross
Playing mind games and deceiving one another.


Yet need the chase
Despite it all, the thrill of the chase is essential.


A license to love, insurance to hold
Having permission to love, and security in keeping it.


Melts all your memories and change into gold
He can make old memories feel new and valuable.


His eyes are like angels but his heart is cold
He may appear kind and loving, but he is actually insensitive and unemotional.


Smooth operator, smooth operator
This man is exceedingly skilled, clever, and charming at what he does.


Smooth operator, smooth operator
He is so good, it bears repeating.


Smooth operator, smooth operator
He is smooth, calm, and collected in every situation.


Smooth operator, smooth operator
This is the defining characteristic of his personality and lifestyle.


Smooth operator
The chorus repeats one final time, driving home the idea that this man is incredibly skilled at his craft.




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Helen Adu, Ray St. John

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@PaulAnthonyCooke1

Hi Guys I was the original drummer on the song back in 1983. Great to hear the original version before the producers and record company started chopping it about. This is how we played it live in the original band with the jazz outro that was called Snakebite and credited to my other band PSP. We just added that song to the end of SO to liven it up live and people used to love it. Keep the faith.

@youtub4925

Did you play to a click?

@eve7522

It's so much better than the new version, I love this! ❤

@Ganksy_

Hi

@thefox5301

Lying ugly ass boy🤣

@rakshanaaaa

i love u sm

3 More Replies...

@gemcitynoirbnw

Such a sultry, smooth jazz voice, love Sade!

@samwylde6312

COAST TO COAST LA TO CHICAGO BABYYY

@BStarBayu

I love this vibeesssss

@marccharboneau4463

Simply a beautiful classic track from a beautiful lady.

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