Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
How Long Has This Been Going On?
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
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I was kissed by my sisters, my cousins, and my aunties.
Sad to tell, it was hell, an inferno worse than Dante's.
So my dear I swore,
"Never, never more!"
On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
Now, I find I was blind, and oh my!
I could cry salty tears,
Where have I been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now,
How long has this been going on?
There were chills up my spine,
And some thrills I can't define.
Listen, sweet, I repeat,
How long has this been going on?
Oh, I feel that I could melt,
Into Heaven I'm hurled!
I know how Columbus felt,
Finding another world.
Kiss me once, then once more.
What a dunce I was before.
What a break!
For Heaven's sake!
How long has this been going on?
Dear, when in your arms I creep,
That divine rendezvous,
Don't wake me, if I'm asleep,
Let me dream that it's true!
Kiss me twice, then once more.
That makes thrice, let's make it four!
What a break!
For Heaven's sake!
How long has this been going on?
How long has this, been going on?
The lyrics to Charlie Byrd's song “How Long Has This Been Going On?” tell the story of a person who, as a child, had negative experiences with kissing and swore off it. As they grow older, they realize they have missed out on something and wonder why they were blind to the possibilities of love and affection for so long. The lyrics express a sense of longing and surprise, as though the person is waking up to something they never thought they wanted.
The first two lines of the song are particularly attention-grabbing as they describe the person as a “tot,” or a young child, being kissed by family members in a way that was uncomfortable or even painful. The rest of the song then continues with the person reflecting on this past experience, expressing regret for missing out on something so important, and finally allowing themselves to embrace the joy of experiencing romantic love.
Overall, the lyrics of “How Long Has This Been Going On?” convey a sense of discovery and growth. The person has come to realize that they were blind to love for a long time, but have now found it and want to embrace it fully.
Line by Line Meaning
As a tot, when I trotted in little velvet panties,
When I was a child, I wore fancy clothes and was affectionately kissed by my female relatives.
Sad to tell, it was hell, an inferno worse than Dante's.
The experience was unpleasant and overwhelming.
On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
I made a promise to myself to never engage in kissing again.
Now, I find I was blind, and oh my!
I realize that I was wrong and missed out on a lot.
How long has this been going on?
How long have I been depriving myself of kissing?
Listen, sweet, I repeat,
I'm emphasizing and urging you to tell me.
Oh, I feel that I could melt, Into Heaven I'm hurled!
I am overwhelmed with intense pleasure and ecstasy like I am transported to heaven.
Kiss me once, then once more. What a dunce I was before.
I want to be kissed multiple times, and I regret not realizing the pleasure of kissing earlier.
What a break! For Heaven's sake!
What an opportunity to experience such pleasure!
Dear, when in your arms I creep, That divine rendezvous,
When I am in your embrace, it feels like a heavenly encounter.
Don't wake me, if I'm asleep, Let me dream that it's true!
I want to savor the moment and continue to experience pleasure, even if it's in my dreams.
Kiss me twice, then once more. That makes thrice, let's make it four!
I want to be kissed again and again, and I want to enjoy the experience as much as possible.
How long has this been going on?
I still can't believe that I deprived myself of kissing for so long and want to know more about it.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind