Released: 1971
The Hollies’ ‘Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress’ is a rock and roll romp that mixes crime, danger, and a dash of romance. It’s a narrative of an undercover agent, deep in the criminal underworld, who gets distracted by a captivating woman amidst a high-stakes operation.
The song kicks off on a Saturday night with our protagonist downtown, working undercover for the FBI. He’s embedded in a ‘nest of bad men’, suggesting he’s infiltrated a gathering of criminals. The ‘whiskey bottles pilin’ high’ and ‘bootleggin’ boozer on the west side’ paints a picture of an illegal operation, likely during the Prohibition era.
Enter the ‘long cool woman in a black dress’. The ‘pair of .45’s’ could refer to her eyes or perhaps guns, but it’s her presence that really shakes him. He’s immediately smitten, describing her as ‘5’9, beautiful tall’. His ‘temperature started to rise’, showing his attraction to her.
The ‘tall walkin’ big black cat’ could be a rival or a boss figure in the criminal underworld. Charlie, possibly a colleague, warns the protagonist about the woman, implying she’s not just a pretty face but also dangerous.
Suddenly, the sirens blare, chaos ensues, and everyone starts to run. There’s a gunshot, adding to the danger and excitement. The protagonist finds himself in a tight spot, with the D.A. on one side and the woman on the other.
Despite the danger, he reassures the woman, promising her safety. He seems to have fallen for her, stating he needs to be ‘forgiven’ if he wants to spend his life with her. This could imply he’s considering abandoning his duty for her.
The song ends with the protagonist repeating that the ‘long cool woman had it all’, emphasizing his deep attraction and possibly regret over the chaotic situation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dangerous night, filled with crime, passion, and a dilemma that leaves the listener wondering what happened next.
