Smooth Operator

[CarolinaL]

There is a famous Sade song called "Smooth Operator" but I dont quite understand what it means. I understand the song is about a ladies' man that goes easy in life, is this the sense of this line?



Here is the lyrics

"Smooth Operator"


He's a smooth operator,
Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male.
Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale.



Can you help me?

Thank you,

 

[Sharon]

Carolina,

One of the definitions for "operator" in my Webster's is:

5.) Informal. A shrewd and occasionally unscrupulous person who is adept at manipulating other persons* or rules to his or her advantage.


So he is cunning, wily, and might be willing to lie, cheat, or steal to get what he wants.


Hope that helps!
Sharon.

* The dictionary said "persons" instead of "people." Does anyone else find that odd?

 

[Lora]

Yeah, the lines,

No place for beginners or sensitive hearts
When sentiment is left to chance

and

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.

demonstrate this well

 

[CarolinaL]

Thanks a lot, I could not find a better definition in my dictionaries.

Carolina