Sayer launched his career in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s, and became a top singles and album act on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1970s. His first seven hit singles in the United Kingdom all reached the Top 10 – a feat first registered by his first manager, Adam Faith. His songs have been sung by other notable artists, including Cliff Richard ("Dreamin'").
Long Tall Glasses
Leo Sayer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw a sign sayin' food and drinks for everyone
So naturally I thought I would take me a look inside
I saw so much food, there was water comin' from my eye
Yeah, there was ham and there was turkey, there was caviar
And long tall glasses, with wine up to y'all
And then somebody grabbed me, threw me outta my chair
You know I can't dance, you know I can't dance
You know I can't dance, you know I can't dance
I can't dance
I am a man of the road, a hobo by name
I don't seek entertainment, just poultry and game
But if it's all the same to you
Then yes, I will try my hand
If you were as hungry as me then I'm sure you would understand
Hmm
Now, wait a minute
Of course I can dance, of course I can dance
I'm sure I can dance, I'm sure I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I really hit the floor
Ah! Feels good
Look at me dancin'
I did a two-step, quick-step and a bossa nova
A little Victor Silvester, and a Rudy Valentino
You should a seen me movin, right across the floor
Hand me down my tuxedo, next week I'm comin' back for more
I can dance
Oh, yes! I can dance
Look at me dancin', the floor's movin'
I feel good, I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
The first verse of "Long Tall Glasses" by Leo Sayer sets the scene for a comeuppance tale. Leo, the singer, is a hitchhiker walking down an empty road feeling hungry and cold. He then sees a sign advertising food and drinks for everyone, which naturally piques his interest, so he heads inside. Upon entering, Leo finds a feast laid out before him, and as he admires it, someone suddenly grabs him and throws him out of his chair. Before he can eat, Leo is told he must dance like Fred Astaire. However, Leo is not a dancer and pleads with his captors to no avail. Nonetheless, Leo is determined to get himself a meal and decides to try his hand at dancing.
The second verse starts with Leo introducing himself as a hobo and claiming that he doesn't seek entertainment but sustenance. However, he says that he will try his hand at dancing if his only option is to dance for food. The rest of the verse is essentially Leo urging himself to give it a shot, saying that if the listener were in his shoes (as hungry as he is), they would probably do the same.
In the chorus, Leo protests that he cannot dance when he is first given the challenge. Then, in a moment of determination, he changes his tune and says that, of course, he can dance. The following verses have Leo reveling in his newfound dancing skills, listing off a number of different steps he knows how to do now that he has embraced his inner-dancer. Leo becomes the life of the party, feeling good and confident in his ability to dance.
Overall, the lyrics of "Long Tall Glasses" are about overcoming one's limitations and embracing your true abilities, even in the face of adversity. It's a feel-good song that encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.
Line by Line Meaning
I was travelin' down the road, feelin' hungry and cold
I was wandering around, feeling famished and frozen
I saw a sign sayin' food and drinks for everyone
I spotted a notice indicating that all were welcome for meals and beverages
So naturally I thought I would take me a look inside
As one would expect, I decided to peek in and take a gander
I saw so much food, there was water comin' from my eye
I observed an abundance of edibles, bringing a tear to my eye
Yeah, there was ham and there was turkey, there was caviar
There was both pork and poultry, in addition to some fancy fish eggs
And long tall glasses, with wine up to y'all
There were elongated vessels with wine in abundance
And then somebody grabbed me, threw me outta my chair
Suddenly, someone yanked me from my seat and removed me from the establishment
Said, "Before you can eat, you gotta dance like Fred Astaire"
This person stated, "You have to dance like Fred Astaire before you can eat"
You know I can't dance, you know I can't dance
I have no rhythm and it's common knowledge
I am a man of the road, a hobo by name
I'm a wandering man with no permanent home, known as a hobo
I don't seek entertainment, just poultry and game
I don't actively pursue amusement, only sustenance in the form of fowl and wild animals
But if it's all the same to you
However, if it doesn't bother you
Then yes, I will try my hand
I'll give it a shot
If you were as hungry as me then I'm sure you would understand
If you were in my situation with such a ravenous appetite, you'd likely do the same
Hmm
Hmmm
Now, wait a minute
Hold on a second
Of course I can dance, of course I can dance
I certainly have the ability to dance
I'm sure I can dance, I'm sure I can dance
I have confidence in my ability to dance
I can dance
I can dance
I really hit the floor
I started dancing quite well
Ah! Feels good
Oh! It's quite pleasant
Look at me dancin'
Observe me dancing
I did a two-step, quick-step and a bossa nova
I performed various dance moves including a two-step, quick-step, and bossa nova
A little Victor Silvester, and a Rudy Valentino
I danced a bit like Victor Silvester and Rudy Valentino
You should a seen me movin, right across the floor
You should have witnessed me gracefully moving across the dance floor
Hand me down my tuxedo, next week I'm comin' back for more
Pass me my formal suit, I'll return next week for another round of dancing
I can dance
I can dance
Oh, yes! I can dance
Oh, yes! I most certainly can dance
Look at me dancin', the floor's movin'
Watch me dance, the ground seems to be shaking
I feel good, I can dance
I'm feeling great, I can dance well
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
I can dance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Alexander Courtney, Leo Sayer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@malcolmwain3451
Why did the world forget about Leo Sayer? He's absolutely a LEGEND
@flightofthebumblebee9529
Greatest American that ever lived.
@Oldiesmann
@Sam Loomis He's not American. He was British but lives in Australia now.
@toddholmes4480
They didn't! I remember this song very well! He was great on the Muppets' singing "The Show Must Go On" I actually saw and spoke to Leo Sayer at a giftshop at Dallas International Airport @ 1979. Nice man.
@heatherjay8802
One of my all time favourite songs & one which takes me back to my youth. Certainly not forgotten, especially here in Australia.
I saw him perform live in Hobart, Tasmania a few years ago & he sang in a Christmas show here this year. Great performer!
@user-rr2qc3dk8r
@Heather Jay LEO -FOREVER!
@brettcurtis5710
Leo Sayer - still touring and performing - been a resident in Australia for the last 10 years - still working his magic - marvellous little man!
@lee11991964
It's good to hear that Leo is still doing good in Australia, I live in the town of his birth here in the UK...Shoreham by sea where he is still fondly remembered by those of us of a certain age.
@Blueboy9055
A song that paints pictures with its words. Absolute Masterpiece!!
@walter2065
treu