About the song
“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by The Hollies is a timeless classic that blends rock, country, and swampy rhythm-and-blues into an irresistible groove. Released on April 17, 1972, as part of their album “Distant Light”, this song stands out as one of the band’s most iconic and successful tracks, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and gaining recognition worldwide.
Unlike many of The Hollies’ other songs, “Long Cool Woman” is marked by its raw, stripped-down sound. Gone are the lush harmonies and polished production that defined much of their earlier work. Instead, this track leans heavily into its gritty rock-and-roll essence, featuring a driving rhythm, twangy guitar riffs, and lead vocalist Allan Clarke’s husky, almost Dylan-esque vocal delivery. The result is a track that feels both timeless and edgy—a departure that paid off spectacularly for the band.
The song’s lyrics tell a cinematic tale of a Prohibition-era federal agent who encounters a mysterious and alluring woman at a speakeasy. The “long cool woman in a black dress” becomes the center of a night filled with danger, allure, and intrigue. Delivered in a narrative style reminiscent of storytelling songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival or Bob Dylan, the lyrics add to the song’s noir-like atmosphere. This storytelling approach, combined with the infectious guitar riff, gives the song its enduring appeal.
Interestingly, “Long Cool Woman” was recorded during a transitional period for The Hollies. Allan Clarke, who co-wrote the track with Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, was on the brink of leaving the band for a solo career. The song’s success, however, reaffirmed the band’s relevance, especially in the American market, where it became one of their biggest hits. Clarke’s gritty vocal performance on the track was key to its identity, and even after his brief departure, it remained a cornerstone of the band’s live performances.
The production of “Long Cool Woman” is notable for its simplicity. The song features a minimalist arrangement, with its powerful guitar riff and steady beat carrying the entire track. This pared-down approach gives it a universal, genre-blurring quality that has helped it endure over the decades. Its influence can be heard in subsequent rock, Southern rock, and even Americana recordings.
Socially and culturally, “Long Cool Woman” resonated during a time when rock music was branching into diverse subgenres. Its swamp-rock feel and narrative style gave it a distinct identity, helping it stand out amidst the British Invasion sounds of the early 1970s. The song also found a lasting audience on classic rock radio, ensuring its place as a staple of rock history.
To this day, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” is celebrated as one of The Hollies’ finest moments—a track that encapsulates their versatility and knack for crafting unforgettable melodies. It remains a favorite for fans who appreciate its raw energy, infectious rhythm, and vivid storytelling, cementing its legacy as a standout in the annals of rock history.
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Lyrics
Saturday night I was downtownWorking for the FBISitting in a nest of bad menWhiskey bottles piling highBootlegging boozer on the west sideFull of people who are doing wrongJust about to call up the D.A. manWhen I heard this woman singing a songA pair of forty fives made me open my eyesMy temperature started to riseShe was a long cool woman in a black dressJust a 5’9″ beautiful ‘n’ tallJust one look I was a bad mess‘Cause that long cool woman had it allI saw her heading to the tableWell, a tall walking big black catCharlie said, I hope that you’re able, boy‘Cause I’m telling you she knows where it’s atWell, suddenly we hear the sirensAnd everybody started to runJumping under doors and tablesWell, I heard somebody shooting a gunWell, the D.A. was pumping my left handShe was holding my rightWell, I told her, don’t get scared‘Cause you’re gonna be sparedI’ve gotta be forgiven if I wanna spend my livingWith a long cool woman in a black dressJust a 5’9″ beautiful ‘n’ tallWell with just one look I was a bad mess‘Cause that long cool woman had it allHad it all, had it all, had it allHad it all, had it all, had it all (she had it all)