Long Tall Shorty
The Kinks Lyrics


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They call me the Long Tall Shorty
'Cause I know what love is all about
They call me Long Tall Shorty
'Cause I know what love is all about

Well I can tell you where the lights go
Oh, when they go out
Girls, if you get lonely
Dial 4-2-4-6-8-9

Well, girls, if you get lonely
Dial 4-2-4-6-8-9
And your troubles will be over
I'll even give you back you dime

Oh yeah
I like 'em long, I like 'em tall
I like 'em short, and that ain't all
Now when I die, don't bury me deep

Just put some women to my head, to my feet
Tell all the world now, to come and peep
Long Tall Shorty now has gone to sleep
Whoa now

I like 'em long, I like 'em tall
Oh yeah
They call me Long Tall Shorty
'Cause I know what love is all about

They call me Long Tall Shorty
'Cause I know what love is all about




Well I can tell you where the lights go
Oh, when they go out

Overall Meaning

The Kinks' song Long Tall Shorty is a catchy and upbeat tune that celebrates the singer's ability to attract women of varying heights. The title Long Tall Shorty refers to the singer himself, who claims to know everything about love. He boasts that he can show women where the lights go when they go out and promises to be there for them when they feel lonely. He provides them with a phone number where they can reach him if they're ever in need, and he even assures them he'll return their dime once their troubles are over.


The lyrics of Long Tall Shorty are simple and straightforward, but they carry a sense of cockiness and playfulness. The singer seems to enjoy bragging about his attractiveness to women, and he doesn't seem too concerned about being modest. He even goes as far as to suggest that when he dies, the world should come and see him, dressed up in women's attire, instead of burying him deeply. The song celebrates the singer's confidence in his ability to love and be loved, while also acknowledging his playful side.


Overall, Long Tall Shorty is a fun and catchy song that celebrates confidence and playfulness, as well as the ability to attract love at any height. The song's upbeat and lively rhythm makes it an ideal song for a dance party or a feel-good playlist.


Line by Line Meaning

They call me the Long Tall Shorty
I am called Long Tall Shorty


'Cause I know what love is all about
Because I am skilled in love


Well I can tell you where the lights go
I know where the lights disappear


Oh, when they go out
When they turn off


Girls, if you get lonely
Ladies, if you become lonely


Dial 4-2-4-6-8-9
Call this particular number


Well, girls, if you get lonely
Ladies, if you become lonely


And your troubles will be over
Your problems will be solved


I'll even give you back you dime
I will even return your ten-cent coin


Oh yeah
Absolutely


I like 'em long, I like 'em tall
I like them to be either long or tall


I like 'em short, and that ain't all
I also like them to be short, and that's not the end of it


Now when I die, don't bury me deep
When I pass away, don't bury me too far down


Just put some women to my head, to my feet
Just place some ladies at my head and feet


Tell all the world now, to come and peep
Instruct everyone to come and have a look


Long Tall Shorty now has gone to sleep
Long Tall Shorty is now asleep


Whoa now
Oh, Right now


They call me Long Tall Shorty
I am called Long Tall Shorty


'Cause I know what love is all about
Because I am skilled in love


They call me Long Tall Shorty
I am called Long Tall Shorty


'Cause I know what love is all about
Because I am skilled in love


Well I can tell you where the lights go
I know where the lights disappear


Oh, when they go out
When they turn off




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DON COVAY, HERB ABRAMSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@saintgermain555

i lived 21 years and 11 months, before my ears ever heard 'Long Tall Shorty'

@SarielSnowings

Great voice! Well done, Dave!

@grahamirwin4233

Put on your high heeled sneakers...

@PraiseHolyTrinity

thank for uploading! great rocking band, the Kinks

@extremadrummer

My father bought that second handed single for me... which contained  four songs. I was very impressed at that time, 8 years old and started to love drums. Thanks for posting!!! I've been looking for the song without knowing its title for weeks... :)

@ZemeckisTEN

My dad was a fantastic drummer. Sadly he died 6 months ago. He was only 46.

@extremadrummer

I'm so sorry

@b.l.u

The voice is soooo ❤️

@robbiestruys9127

The sound of those drums.....!

@johnnymac1986

love it

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