Hollies Oldies Music Lyrics

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress"


1978 Album released in UK by Music For Pleasure.

The Hollies oldies music lyrics to "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" was written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway.

The song was written in the Creedence Clearwater Revival style and Clarke also does a cool imitation of John Fogerty's vocal style.

Long Cool Woman was released as a single off the album "Distant Light" in 1972 but the album was actually released a year before in 1971.

Before the single was released, lead singer Allan Clarke left the group but after "Long Cool Woman" became a hit in the US, Clarke rethought his solo career and returned to the group.


Is This Famous Guitar Riff One of The Best Ever?
You Be The Judge.

"Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" is a rock and roll classic characterized by its catchy guitar riff and memorable lyrics. The song tells the story of a mysterious and alluring woman who captures the attention of the narrator. It has become one of The Hollies' most popular and recognizable songs.

Can you actually believe that the guitar intro on this record, and guitar instrumental break, are not listed on any of the online music sites I reviewed, as one of the Great Guitar Riffs ever?

It's in my top five, but you make the call on one of the most recognizable guitar intro's from the 70s.  

Hollies Drummer, Bobby Elliott, wrote the following about the very famous Guitar Riff opening of Long Cool Woman.

"Previously I heard Allan (Clarke) playing a short attractive guitar piece whilst he was relaxing or tuning up. I suggested that we started the song with the same piece."

And so they did...


Long Cool Woman...a 5'9" beautiful tall.

Secret Agent for Vinyl Record Memories.com is this Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress.

Let's get down to business now and enjoy the Hollies oldies music lyrics and that super cool guitar intro. 

If you have a good set of speakers or headphones, crank this one up while listening to the lyrics below and make believe you're the FBI agent saving this "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" from that nest of bad guys.  

For the senior FBI agents among us this may be the closest we ever get to one of the classic indecipherable lyrics in rock history.....A 5'9", beautiful tall!

A Fantastic career for a very underrated band, The Hollies were one of the most talented and enduring groups to emerge from the British invasion.


The Hollies Oldies Music Lyrics
Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress
Written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook & Roger Greenaway
#2 song from 1972
Lead Guitar and vocals - Allan Clarke

Saturday night I was downtown
Working for the FBI
Sitting in a nest of bad men
Whiskey bottles piling high

Bootlegging boozer on the west side
Full of people who are doing wrong
Just about to call up the DA man
When I heard this woman singing a song

A pair of 45's made me open my eyes
My temperature started to rise
She was a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5'9", beautiful tall
With just one look I was a bad mess
'Cos that long cool woman had it all

I saw her heading to the table
Well a tall walking big black cat
When Charlie said I hope that you're able, boy
Well I'm telling you she knows where it's at
Well then suddenly we heard the sirens
And everybody started to run
Jumping under doors and tables
Well I heard somebody shooting a gun

Well the DA was pumping my left hand
and she was holding my right
Well I told her, "Don't get scared
'Cos you're gonna be spared"
Well I'm gonna be forgiven
If I wanna spend my living
With a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5'9" beautiful tall
Well, with just one look I was a bad mess
'Cos that long cool woman had it all

Had it all...


You might also like these...




Enjoy this page? Share it with your friends!

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.


Ever thought of having your own website? I built Vinyl Record Memories "from scratch" with SoloBuildIt! Click below to find out more....



Return to classic oldies main page.

Return Home.





Vinyl Record Memories
(VIP Club)

Become a member - FREE to Join.

A Little Bit of Nostalgia in your inbox each month.

FREE  To  Join



Visit "The Hollies"
Amazon Store.


See all 159 albums in one location.



Andrew Gold
That's Why I Love You



"It's the smile on your face, It's your style and your grace... And that's why, that's why I love you."

A man with this much talent
should certainly be entitled to more than this one simple page that I have provided and not just because I enjoyed one particular song of his more than his others. Check out his Guitar Riffs in this song.



'68 Comeback Special



Elvis did some great things after this special, but nothing that captures the raw power of his performances on this '68 Comeback Special. You'd be surprised how good he really was on the guitar. Read more ...



The Buddy Holly Story.


The Buddy Holly Story from the Roller Rink classic to Apollo Theater

If you grew up in the Buddy Holly era, this 1978 biography profiles the lives of someone who helped change forever, the music in the 50s and beyond. The Roller Rink medley and The Crickets at the Apollo looks back at this special time in history and how it all began. Read more...



Baby's Gone


Baby's Gone Story - True Vinyl Record Memories.

Didn't say goodbye, didn't tell me why, just left me here to cry, with nothing but a memory.

Read the true story behind this treasured memory.



"Looking for An Echo"


Classic Doo-Wop Oldies - Looking For An Echo.

We practiced in a subway,
In a lobby or a hall
Crowded in a doorway
Singing "doo wops" to the wall

Street Corner Music With Soul.



"What Kinda Girl"
Rosanne Cash


Rosanne Cash - What Kinda Girl Rockabilly classic.

Find out What Kinda Girl she really is in this Rockabilly Session with Carl Perkins and Friends. Check it out...



Top of Page
Top of Page