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About the song
“Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)” by Leo Sayer is one of the most playful and engaging songs of the 1970s, blending folk-rock, pop, and a touch of vaudeville-style humor. Released in 1974 as part of his album Just a Boy, the song became one of Sayer’s earliest hits, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing his reputation as a dynamic performer with a knack for storytelling.
At its core, “Long Tall Glasses” is a whimsical tale about an everyman who finds himself in an unusual situation—he’s given a feast but is only allowed to eat if he proves he can dance. The song’s lyrics unfold like a short story, filled with charm, wit, and an irresistible narrative twist. What makes it stand out is Sayer’s theatrical delivery, which captures both the confusion and eventual excitement of the protagonist. His expressive voice, shifting from bemusement to joyous realization, adds to the song’s storytelling magic.
Musically, the song is an infectious mix of folk and rock, driven by a bouncy piano, steady drumbeat, and an irresistible groove. The call-and-response chorus and the gradual build-up create an undeniable sense of fun, making it a crowd-pleaser both on record and in live performances. While some of Sayer’s later hits leaned into sentimental ballads like “When I Need You”, “Long Tall Glasses” showcases his versatility and ability to inject humor and energy into his music.
Decades later, “Long Tall Glasses” remains a quirky, feel-good classic, embodying the free-spirited, adventurous side of 1970s pop-rock. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously but is crafted with enough brilliance to be instantly memorable and endlessly enjoyable.
Video
Lyrics
I was travellin’ down the road feelin’ hungry and coldI saw the sign sayin’, “Food for everyone”So naturally I thought I would take me a look inside, yeahI saw so much food, there was water coming from my eyes, yeahYeah, there was ham and there was turkey, there was caviarAnd long tall glasses with wine up to y’areAnd somebody grabbed meThrew me out on my chair, yeahSaid before you can eat, you gotta dance like Fred Astaire(Help me)(What?)(Hey)You know I can’t dance, you know I can’t danceOf course, I can’t danceI’ve tried but I just can’t danceI can’t do it no, noI know, oh, I can’t danceAlrightCome on, Shepherd’s, push turn, spin and danceI am a man of the road, a Hobo by nameI don’t seek entertainment, just poultry and gameBut if it’s all the same to you then, yes, I will try my handIf you was hungry as me, then I’m sure you will understandNow wait a minute, wait a minuteWait a minute (hey)You know I can dance, you know I can danceOf course, I can, yeahI can danceOh yeah, I just dancedLook at me dancing, yeahCome on dance with me, yeah, yeah, yeahI did a two-step quick-step and a bossanovaA little Victor Sylvester, Rudy ValentinoYou should have seen me movingRight across the floorHand me down my tuxedoNext week I’m coming back for more, yeahI can danceOh yes, I can danceLook at me dancing, the floor moving, oohI feel goodI can danceI can dance, I can danceI can dance, I can dance, I gottaAyy, yeahAlright