About the song
The Hollies, renowned for their harmonies and pop sensibilities, ventured into a decidedly grittier territory with “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” Released in 1972, this track marked a departure from their usual sound, diving headfirst into the realm of swamp rock and film noir.
While the group’s signature harmonies were largely absent, the song introduced a raw, powerful dynamic led by Allan Clarke’s lead vocals. His gritty, almost gravelly voice lent a sense of urgency to the narrative, perfectly capturing the song’s cinematic atmosphere. The instrumentation, too, was a departure from their usual fare, with a heavy emphasis on electric guitar and a driving rhythm section that evoked the energy of a smoky jazz club.
The lyrics painted a vivid picture of a seedy underworld, with the protagonist, an undercover FBI agent, caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The eponymous “long cool woman” served as both a symbol of allure and a potential threat, her enigmatic presence adding to the song’s suspense. The song’s narrative, coupled with its evocative music, created a compelling listening experience that resonated with audiences far beyond the band’s traditional fanbase.
“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” was a bold experiment for the Hollies, a testament to their willingness to push the boundaries of their sound. Its success solidified their status as one of the most versatile and enduring bands of the British Invasion era.
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Lyrics
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 D.A. man
When I heard this woman singing a song
A pair of forty fives 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 ‘n’ tall
Just one look I was a bad mess
‘Cause that long cool woman had it all
I saw her heading to the table
Well, a tall walking big black cat
Charlie said, I hope that you’re able, boy
‘Cause I’m telling you she knows where it’s at
Well, suddenly we hear the sirens
And everybody started to run
Jumping under doors and tables
Well, I heard somebody shooting a gun
Well, the D.A. was pumping my left hand
She was holding my right
Well, I told her, don’t get scared
‘Cause you’re gonna be spared
I’ve gotta be forgiven if I wanna spend my living
With a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5’9″ beautiful ‘n’ tall
Well with just one look I was a bad mess
‘Cause that long cool woman had it all
Had it all, had it all, had it all
Had it all, had it all, had it all (she had it all)