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.
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...
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...
If there were ever a song with perfect lyrics that you just wanted to share with others and send back in time it would surely have to be the vinyl record memories of this classic love song, Key Largo. Read this true story.
Return to Oldies Music Lyrics Main page.
Return Home from Hollies oldies music lyrics.
FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!
Visit the Hollies Amazon store.
Few songs are so universally and instantly successful at creating a dreamy atmosphere.
Listen to The Santo and Johnny distinctive "Sleep Walk" sound and judge for yourself who does the best cover of this iconic music from 1959. Read more...
Rockabilly Girl Imelda May singing classic Johnny Burnette song. Read more...
Elvis reprises Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me to Do" and includes another Elvis Guitar Classic "Tryin' To Get To You" a lesser known, but with some exciting guitar playing by the king. Read more...
Hottest rockabilly ever performed in one setting! Watch as Carl Perkins sings rockabilly songs with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and others. Read more...
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. Read more...
From the Rockabilly flavored "Maybellene" to the all-time favorite, "Johnny B. Goode," Berry produced some of the most imitated guitar licks of all time. Read more...
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 ...
Song originally written for the Elvis "King Creole" movie and would be Conway's last Top Ten song in his Rock-n-roll years.
"My name should be trouble
My name should be woe
For trouble and heartache
is all that I know....
Yeah lonely, lonely blue boy...
is my name" Read more...