About the song
“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” is a classic rock song performed by the British group The Hollies, known for its distinctive narrative and gripping melody. Written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway, the song was originally featured on the band’s 1971 album *Distant Light*. Released as a single on April 17, 1972, it quickly gained traction, selling over 2 million copies worldwide, including 1.5 million in the United States alone.
The song’s lyrical content and moody atmosphere set it apart from many other rock tracks of its time. It tells the story of a man who finds himself inadvertently involved in a criminal case after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman in a black dress. This dramatic narrative is delivered with a compelling vocal performance by Clarke and is underscored by a memorable guitar riff that contributes to the song’s sense of suspense and intrigue.
Upon its release, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” achieved significant commercial success. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1972, where it stayed for two weeks, just behind Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)”. The song was also ranked as the No. 24 song of the year by Billboard, reflecting its popularity and impact.
In an interview with Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2’s *Sounds of the 70s* in April 2023, Allan Clarke clarified the songwriting credits, revealing that while the song was indeed penned by Clarke and Cook, there was a longstanding agreement with Greenaway for joint credit on songs written by any one of them. This collaboration and the song’s intricate storytelling are part of what has cemented “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” as a staple of classic rock and a standout track in The Hollies’ discography. Its enduring appeal and catchy, narrative-driven style continue to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place in music history.
Video
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)