Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress

The song 'Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress' by The Hollies is a classic rock track that tells a story of intrigue, undercover operations, and an alluring woman. Released in 1972, the song became one of the band's most recognized hits, characterized by its catchy guitar riff and the distinctive voice of lead singer Allan Clarke. The Hollies, known for their harmony-rich pop-rock sound, took a grittier turn with this track, which has a more rock and blues-influenced vibe.

The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of a scene that could be straight out of a noir film. The narrator is an FBI agent 'working for the FBI' in a den of criminals, surrounded by 'whiskey bottles piling high.' The atmosphere is tense, with the threat of violence in the air. The 'long cool woman in a black dress' enters the scene, captivating the narrator with her presence. She's described in almost mythical terms, a 'tall walking big black cat,' suggesting both grace and danger. The song plays with the trope of the femme fatale, a common figure in detective stories who is both alluring and potentially deadly.

As the story unfolds, the situation escalates with the sound of sirens and a gun being fired, leading to chaos. The narrator finds himself in a bind, with the district attorney on one side and the mysterious woman on the other. He decides to protect the woman, indicating that he's fallen under her spell. The song concludes with the narrator's realization that he's willing to risk it all for this woman who 'had it all.' The lyrics suggest a blend of admiration and desire, with the 'long cool woman' symbolizing an escape from the narrator's dangerous and monotonous life. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its storytelling, the allure of its central character, and the driving rhythm that makes it a staple of classic rock.