They weren't joined at the hip, yet Chet Atkins and Les Paul were far close… Read Full Bio ↴They weren't joined at the hip, yet Chet Atkins and Les Paul were far closer than many realize. Chet's half-brother Jimmy Atkins played rhythm guitar in the Les Paul Trio in the '40s. Both Chet and Les's playing reflected Belgian Gypsy jazz virtuoso Django Reinhardt's influence. They not only created records of monumental importance to guitarists in all genres, but their signature model electric instruments advanced guitar technology. In other words, ample common ground existed for these 1970s collaborations. The first, Chester & Lester, won the pair a Grammy in 1976; Guitar Monsters was the 1978 follow-up. Recorded in a loose, lighthearted atmosphere that bypassed country (except for the tongue-in-cheek "Give My Love to Nell"), these albums explored their roots in the big band era. In some cases, such as "It's Been A Long, Long Time" for Les and "Hot Toddy" for Chet, they revisited songs they recorded years earlier. Les, downplaying his electronic wizardry, proved that he didn't need it to dazzle. Chet, who'd come to favor sterile perfection over passion, unleashed his old intensity in the presence of a fellow virtuoso. --Rich Kienzle

It's Been A Long Long Time
Chet Atkins & Les Paul Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Haven't felt like this, my dear
Since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time

You'll never know how many dreams

I dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you

So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time

Ah, kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long time
Haven't felt like this, my dear
Since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time

You'll never know how many dreams
I dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you

So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time
Long, long time

Overall Meaning

The song 'It's Been A Long Long Time' by Chet Atkins and Les Paul is a beautiful love song that talks about how the singer has missed the feeling of being in love. The lyrics talk about a long period of time during which the singer hasn't felt as happy and contented as they do now. The song has a nostalgic vibe and talks about missed opportunities that might have been.

The opening lines of the song "Kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again" set the tone for the rest of the song. The repetition of the request for kisses underscores just how long it has been since the singer has felt this way. The line "Haven't felt like this, my dear, since I can't remember when" reinforces this idea of a prolonged absence of love. The singer goes on to describe the many dreams they have had about their love interest, establishing a sense of yearning and desire that has gone unfulfilled. The last lines of the song, "It's been a long, long time," drive home the message of time lost and missed chances.

Overall, 'It's Been A Long Long Time' is a powerful song about the feeling of being in love and how it can be missed for long periods of time. The lyrics capture the sense of longing and nostalgia that comes with being reunited with a loved one after a long separation.

Line by Line Meaning

Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Please show me affection with multiple kisses

Then kiss me once again
Continue to show me love with another kiss

It's been a long, long time
It's been a significant amount of time since I've felt this way

Haven't felt like this, my dear
I haven't experienced these emotions in a while, my love

Since I can't remember when
It's difficult for me to recall the last time I felt this way

You'll never know how many dreams
You can't comprehend the amount of times I've fantasized about you

I dreamed about you
I longed for you in my dreams

Or just how empty they all seemed without you
But without you, these dreams lacked purpose and left me feeling hollow inside

So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Please continue to express your love with kisses

Then kiss me once again
And conclude with one final kiss

It's been a long, long time
It's been a substantial amount of time since I've felt this way

Long, long time
It's been quite a while

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@rickborbons4398

36w

...I first heard this album played on KSFO, San Francisco, probably 1974...almost 50 years ago...I had to immediately go and buy it on vinyl...like my Beatles collection, I've owned it on cassette, CD...and now stream it on Apple music...timeless...classic...two of the best guitar players ever...

@rubyann179

1y↑1

Just wonderful. Doesn’t get much better, my ears listen intently.

@ChuckWroste

11y↑6

So sad that both of these legends are no longer with us. It's so great that they both left a lot of recorded music behind, showing us greatness that can't be described in words, just listened to.

@georgeprice7078

My dad was whistling this song when he came home from the war in 1945. Wish he could have heard this version.

@douglasnolan4494

I bought this CD for my father when he was a year out from hospice. My father always gravitated toward "Deed I Do". Me... I've always said this is the "Most Chill Song" Its special.

@vwbug1971

9y↑9

It feels like a long long time that we've been without these two masters. They were perfect in ability and sound and always left me with a sense of wonder. This piece is incredibly beautiful.

@bzssheetmetal6783

vwbug1971 chet Atkins is still around he plays Pat Robertson on the 700 club

@CoolcatsSk8

So glad I was fortunate enough to find this song when I was young around 10 or 12, 22 at the time of writing this & still loving it.

@Ken77114

10y↑1

How could any song, anytime, anywhere, be more beautiful.....what loving touches and harmonies!

@bobs.stevenson9704

6y↑3

i have these guys on my playlist nearly every song that comes on is perfect guitar playing. no bullshit no gimmicks just great playing.

@lcstandrie

11y↑3

Chet also played a Gibson at one time and a Martin flat top at another. He began his career in recording playing, would you believe it, FIDDLE on a Carter Family record in 1939. Mother Maybelle and Merle Travis were influences on his guitar picking and he began recording guitar music in the 40s.

@On_The_Farm

That album is fantastic!

@juneharry7903

7y↑1

Loved this album the very first time I heard it. Still one of my all time favorites.

@bzssheetmetal6783

june harry Chet Atkins is still around he plays Pat Robertson on the 700 club

@robertevans6056

6y↑4

Still the BEST of the BEST

@davydoomz

10y↑2

Les Pauls tone is so amazing and liquidy, just cuts right through

@chester777ful

8y↑6

Such talent what a pity they only made two albums together

@mickdonnell7077

6y↑2

Love this composition..... Chet and Les ARE ORIGINATORS.... I hear a LOT of Django Reinhardt at the end which was a big influence on Chet.... Thanks for sharing..

@georgereuter

15y↑1

They had a small band for accompaniment and they did it in one take. There was no do overs! The musicians just asked what key, and then played along. Now that's talent!

@randyrudd5485

GEORGE REUTER the late Larrie Londin on drums; Henry strezslecki, Randy Goodrum, and legendary Bob Moore on bass. Nashville "A" guys. Could play ANY genre with authority.

@randyrudd5594

GEORGE REUTER I think the session guys were as follows:

Larrie Londin - drums
Bob Moore - bass
Randy Goodrum - guitar
(Piano?)
Maybe Paul Yandell on guitar as well.
I may be mistaken on one or two.

@brucew44guns

12y↑1

Just having Dolly wedged in there didn't hurt matters any, YES, what a grand duo of guitar genious on one tune.

@moproducer

12y

From an oldtimer, this song was recorded by Bing Crosby & The Les Paul Trio in 1945 and was a #1 charting hit. It was the beginning of an association between Les & Bing that lasted for years. In 1977, several days before Bing died, he made arrangements to record a reunion album with Les. Sadly, that never happened.

@user-jc6kr3lf7y

pretty good sounds and timing..... they are greatest and monsters 😎

@sleazyslytherin6836

8y↑3

I've listened to many versions of this song (with my fav being Frank sinatra's), but this just sounds so mellow and fluid. I love the guitar's spin on it

@PaulB__

15y↑1

For Guitarists around the World 13.08.09 is the International Day Of Mourning. R.I.P. MASTER. :(

@jackdbone53

12y

I love the hiss & pops .....it sounds like a 60s record player too bad nobody plays like that nowdays

@blacksunfish

13y

Gretsch and Gibson gorgeousness given to us by the godfathers of guitar. Great!

@elrip1

14y

The best guitarists that ever played. Is/are/were/am the best of all time. Wow!

@AsWeGoHomestead

15y

Fantastic!! Thanks for posting this one. Really enjoyed it.

@empathic11

14y

Divine stuff. Heavenly.

@gillisvg7508

So cool and relaxing .

@kovuvalivm

15y

R.I.P. Dear Les Paul

@stevemunster3562

Just some very casual shredding

@honestbutugly

new to me I did hear the doc Watson and chet akins album, I loved that one too

@jimmyguitar9676

Magnificent nice melodie

@marioghiggini9144

8y↑1

favolosi

@bzssheetmetal6783

Mario Ghiggini Chet Atkins is still around he plays Pat Robertson on the 700 Club

@GuitarTecho

15y

:( R.I.P. Les Paul

@cfhartin

13y

A great song, its even better with Bing Crosby singing the lyrics.

@ReketePony

15y

R.I.P.

@curtborreson4802

Nothing but the best!........Coogoo2

@andrewaustralian2767

Good night Alabama

@AstonLaw

15y

RIP

@moproducer

12y

Right; Les (with or without Mary) covered this several times in his career. It's a shame that Bing didn't live to fulfill the album dream, which I understand was to be produced by Chet. That would have been something of epic proportions.

@georgereuter

15y

Absolutely beautiful! If only Bing Crosby was around to hear it!

@MichaelSotoCE

14y↑1

when was this recorded. do i hear phaser?

@randyrudd5485

7y↑1

Michael Soto yes you do- on Chet's rig. Recorded late summer 1975 ; released in '76.

@randyrudd5485

Actually- might be Randy Goodrum as well. Chet did employ a phaser though.

@randyrudd5594

Michael Soto September of 1975, I believe. Released early in ‘76. Yes, Chet was using a phaser .

@wesleynoggle3895

YOU CAN FEEL THAT HE LIKE DOING THIS

@robbourassaguitarist

9y↑6

I see that two idiots cast their votes of disapproval. This was a colossal album.

@jncognet1

très jolie , merci .

@joeyamin5668

9y↑2

One of my closets friend's father played and arranged for Charlie Barnett, Glenn Miller and others. He played many instruments including guitar. I bought this album for him some years ago and he literally wore it out claiming that it was one of the best musical things he'd ever witnessed.

@bzssheetmetal6783

Rob Bourassa Chet Atkins is still around he plays Pat Robertson on the 700 club

@JackTheSkunk

Up to 9 idiots now (4/19). Doped up, tonedeaf headbangers....don't pay any attention to them.

@resucalavia6041

@JackTheSkunk

Too bad the recording sessions were not recorded. That would really
have been something.

@JackTheSkunk

Recorded on video that is.

@nyolsson

15y

"He does everything on that, everything in one go. And its just one guitar; its basically one guitar even though theyve tracked on rhythms and stuff. But my goodness, the introductory chords and everything are fantastic. He sets this whole tone, and then he goes into this solo which is fantastic." Jimmy Page 1977