Originally called The Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1… Read Full Bio ↴Originally called The Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1945, in Anfield, Liverpool) and Billy Kinsley (born William Ellis Kinsley, 28 November 1946, at The Mill Road Hospital, Mill Road, Anfield, Liverpool) formed their first band in late 1960 and became The Pacifics in September 1961. They were re-named The Mersey Beats in February 1962 by Bob Wooler, MC of the famous Cavern Club. Later in April 1962 they became The Merseybeats. By now Crane and Kinsley had joined up with guitarist Aaron Williams (born 23 June 1942, in Liverpool) and drummer John Banks. They were originally signed to the Brian Epstein organisation, but when Epstein failed to supply The Merseybeats with the same classy suits that he had given The Beatles, they parted company with him, much to their later regret.

They then signed a record deal with Fontana and had their first hit single in 1963 with "It’s Love That Really Counts", followed in 1964 by their million-selling recording "I Think of You" which gained them their first gold disc. They had two more major hits, "Don’t Turn Around" and "Wishin' & Hopin'". Other successful recordings included "Last Night", "Don’t Let it Happen to Us", "I Love You Yes I Do", "I Stand Accused", "Mister Moonlight", "Really Mystified", "The Fortune Teller", and "Lovely Loretta".

The Merseybeats became well known for their distinctive style of fashion. They were credited as the 'Best Looking Group', dressed in tight-fitting suits with bolero jackets and frilly shirts. Their outfits, complete with high-heeled zip boots, provoked hysteria from their female fans.

They appeared regularly at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and they claim to have appeared there with The Beatles on more occasions than any other band from that era. They were also successful abroad, touring in Germany and the U.S. in 1964, and having their own Merseybeats Show on Italian television.

Long Tall Sally
The Merseybeats Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna tell Aunt Mary 'bout Uncle John
He said he had the misery but he got a lot of fun
Baby, yeah now baby
Woo baby, some fun tonight

I saw Uncle John with Long Tall Sally
He saw Aunt Mary comin' and he ducked back in the alley
Oh, baby, yeah now baby

Woo baby, some fun tonight

Well Long Tall Sally's built pretty sweet
She got everything that Uncle John need
Baby, yeah now baby
Woo baby, some fun tonight

Well, we're gonna have some fun tonight
Have some fun tonight
Everything's all right
Have some fun tonight
Have some fun
Yeah, yeah, yeah

We're gonna have some fun tonight
Have some fun tonight
Everything's all right
Have some fun tonight

Yeah, we'll have some fun
Some fun tonight

Overall Meaning

The Merseybeats's song "Long Tall Sally" is a classic rock and roll hit that tells the story of Uncle John, who seems to be up to some mischief with a woman named Long Tall Sally. The song opens with the singer planning to tell Aunt Mary about Uncle John's behavior, claiming that he has the "misery," which is a common term for a venereal disease. However, the singer notes that despite his ailment, Uncle John seems to be having a lot of fun with Long Tall Sally. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "woo baby, some fun tonight," emphasizing the exciting and carefree nature of the situation.

The second verse reveals that the singer has actually witnessed Uncle John with Long Tall Sally, and that he had to quickly duck out of sight when he saw Aunt Mary approaching. The lyrics describe Long Tall Sally as "built pretty sweet" and having everything that Uncle John needs. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, as the singer declares that they are going to have some fun tonight.

Overall, the lyrics to "Long Tall Sally" capture the rebellious and exuberant spirit of early rock and roll music, celebrating the excitement and danger of youthful abandon.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna tell Aunt Mary 'bout Uncle John
I am going to update Aunt Mary on Uncle John's recent activities

He said he had the misery but he got a lot of fun
Although he claimed to be unhappy, he actually had a great time

Baby, yeah now baby
Addressing his female partner

Woo baby, some fun tonight
Anticipating a good time tonight

I saw Uncle John with Long Tall Sally
I witnessed Uncle John in the company of Long Tall Sally

He saw Aunt Mary comin' and he ducked back in the alley
As soon as Aunt Mary appeared, he quickly disappeared

Oh, baby, yeah now baby
Addressing his female partner again

Woo baby, some fun tonight
Repeating his expectation of a good time tonight

Well Long Tall Sally's built pretty sweet
Long Tall Sally is attractive and appealing

She got everything that Uncle John need
She possesses all the things that Uncle John desires

Well, we're gonna have some fun tonight
We are going to have a fun-filled night