Lee first experienced commercial success as the lead guitarist with Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds. Quitting the Thunderbirds in 1968, Lee joined Heads Hands & Feet in 1969 until the breakup in 1973.
In 1974 Lee left the UK for Los Angeles, California, and joined The Crickets through his friend bassist Rick Grech (of Blind Faith). The band cut three albums together including A Long Way From Lubbock. By then Lee was receiving many offers of session work. In 1976, Lee was asked to join Emmylou Harris's Hot Band, replacing one of his heroes, James Burton, who was returning to perform with Elvis Presley. Starting in 1978, Lee worked for five years with Eric Clapton, playing and singing for a live concert recording at the Budokan in Japan.
Lee was responsible for The Everly Brothers 1983 reunion concert and was its musical director. He played regularly with the Everlys for over twenty years.
In 1987, Lee was invited by Gerry Hogan to headline at a steel guitar festival in Newbury, Berkshire. Lee was at first intimidated by the prospect of having to front a band, however, the gig was successful and he now tours with Hogan's Heroes on a regular basis.
A new Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes album entitled Like This was released in spring 2008 to coincide with their European tour. Lee continues to work in the studio and tours on a regular basis with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.
Sweet Little Lisa
Albert Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw the red light at the corner, man I never tried to stop
I got pulled over by a man in blue, he said what you thinking you're
Tryin'a do?
I told him 'bout my baby and he let me go, thanks a lot
I got invited to a party at a high class hollywood pool
There were women all around me, man I began to drool
I weighed the evidence in hand, I said girls you got to understand
Ain't nobody gonna make me shout
Ain't nobody gonna put me out
Ain't nobody gonna make me do like my sweet little lisa does
Ain't nobody gonna make me sing
Make me do the wrong damn thing
Sticking my head in a cold cold stream, like my sweet little lisa does
I was pulling out of dallas, got pulled over by a debutante
She was playing with her keys, she thought I was acting kinda nonchalant
She said she'd take me up to her room, and keep me
I've got a sweet sugar mama give me everything I want
Ain't nobody gonna make me shout
Ain't nobody gonna put me out
Ain't nobody gonna make me do like my sweet little lisa does
Ain't nobody gonna make me sing
Make me do the wrong damn thing
Sticking my head in a cold cold stream, like my sweet little lisa does
The lyrics of Albert Lee's song Sweet Little Lisa depict a man trying to resist the numerous temptations that come his way in the form of women and parties. The first verse describes how he almost got pulled over by the police but managed to talk his way out of it by mentioning his girlfriend. This implies that he is committed to her and does not want to engage in any behavior that would harm their relationship.
The second verse takes place in Hollywood where he is surrounded by women and has a difficult time resisting their advances. However, he eventually decides to stay loyal to his girlfriend by living according to the "golden rule." He sings about how his sweet little Lisa inspires him to be a better person and to resist any negative influences that might come his way.
The chorus reiterates his commitment to Lisa and his determination to remain faithful to her. He repeats that nobody will make him do anything that goes against his love for her. The final verse tells of how he was pulled over by a debutante in Dallas but declined her offer to come up to her room. Instead, he declares that he has a "sweet sugar mama" who gives him everything he wants, meaning his girlfriend, Lisa.
Overall, the song Sweet Little Lisa is a tribute to love, commitment, and fidelity. The singer faces numerous temptations but manages to stay true to his girlfriend, whom he views as his guiding light. The song encourages listeners to prioritize healthy relationships and to resist any negative influences that might come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the works whistle blew at a half past five o'clock
The day's work has ended and it's time to leave
I saw the red light at the corner, man I never tried to stop
I willingly broke the traffic rules by not stopping at the red light
I got pulled over by a man in blue, he said what you thinking you're Tryin'a do?
I was stopped by a police officer who questioned my actions
I told him 'bout my baby and he let me go, thanks a lot
I got away by using the excuse of meeting my significant other, and the officer let me go
I got invited to a party at a high class hollywood pool
I received an invitation to an elite party held in a luxurious pool in Hollywood
There were women all around me, man I began to drool
At the party, I was surrounded by women and I couldn't help but feel attracted to them
I weighed the evidence in hand, I said girls you got to understand
I thought about my relationship with my significant other and explained it to the women present
Since I met my baby I've been living by the golden rule
I've been living my life according to the principles of justice and fairness since I met my significant other
Ain't nobody gonna make me shout
No one can make me shout or cause me to raise my voice in anger
Ain't nobody gonna put me out
No one can make me leave or push me out of a place or situation
Ain't nobody gonna make me do like my sweet little lisa does
No one can make me act the way my significant other does
Ain't nobody gonna make me sing
No one can make me sing or express myself in a certain way
Make me do the wrong damn thing
No one can make me do something wrong or immoral
Sticking my head in a cold cold stream, like my sweet little lisa does
I'd rather do something extreme like sticking my head in a cold stream than act against the principles of my significant other
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: H. DEVITO, M. COWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Skraboing649
Every now and again if I'm feeling a bit low or tired or whatever, I return to this clip and it always puts a smile on my face. As Dave said in the clip, "to hear that man play the way he does is a joy." Pure and simple :o)
Jim Freyler
I've seen Albert play and also met him. Besides being the best guitarist out there he's also a very humble man.
Mr Blue Sky
Repeat when necessary is a fantastic album, no fillers, just pure magic.
Patrick B
Thumbs up. 👍🏻 And some pure Rock and Roll we don’t get much of anymore.
joan Jett
When it’s magical , you have to love it ..
Bruce Macmillan
Absolutely. Not a bad track on that record. They're all a flat out 10. Maybe even 11? Lol
der willider
Albert Lee is one of the worlds best guitarists, the best for those, who enjoy his way to play!
Chris C
It’s more than just his technical ability, it’s something about the man himself. His love for the guitar, for his music… zen or something. People love this man.
epicmeade
this has always been one of my favorite guitars solo's ever. i never dreamed i would be able to see it being recorded.thanks gmailvsi. and to see Huey Lewis, Phil Lynott, Nick Lowe & Dave Edmunds all watching from the control room is just priceless.i love when nick holds his head in his hands,blown away, but then say's "You've obviously read my pamphlet on how to play guitar".
Fraxinus!
A mate played this to me in 1983 on vinyl. He didn't have to try too hard to "sell" it to me. Like he said, both Dave and Albert are really REALLY going for it, to the extent that they're playing ahead of the beat they're shredding that fast. I eventually got it on CD a few years ago. So pleased to see this footage was made in the studio at the time - a historical document!