Donny Osmond's biggest hit came from the 1998 Walt Disney Pictures movie "Mulan." Osmond sang the hugely inspirational song "I'll Make A Man Out Of You."
At the age of five, he stepped out onto the Andy Williams Show soundstage, and instantly won the hearts of viewers. He went on to teen superstardom as a solo act and as part of The Osmonds scoring a string of hits with "One Bad Apple", "Puppy Love", "Sweet and Innocent" and "Go Away Little Girl".
He's enjoyed success as a Smooth Jazz artist with the single "Breeze On By", from his 54th album "What I Meant To Say."
His latest release is a collection of love songs from the 1970s era entitled "Love Songs of the '70s". It includes covers of classic songs like "Will It Go 'Round In Circles" and "Oh Girl".
How Long
Donny Osmond Lyrics
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How long has this been goin' on?
Well, if friends with their fancy persuasions
Don't admit that it's part of a scheme
Then I can't help but have my suspicions
I'm not as dumb as I seem
To break up our singing this way
But there ain't no use in pretendin'
It could happen to us any day
How long has this been goin' on?
How long has this been goin' on?
Oh, your friends with their fancy persuasions
Don't admit that it's part of a scheme
Then I can't help but have my suspicions
No, I'm not as dumb as I seem
You said you never intended
To break up our singing this way
But there ain't any use in pretendin'
It could happen to us any day, oh, tell me
How long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?
Looking closely at Donny Osmond's How Long, listeners can detect a hint of suspicion and doubt, possibly revolving around a romantic relationship. The repeated question "How long has this been going on?" conveys an air of unsettled tension, implying that something is not quite right. This sentiment is reinforced by the lyrics that follow, which could be interpreted as a confrontation of sorts with a significant other, who is allegedly not being entirely truthful. The singer notes that his acquaintances' "fancy persuasions" cannot convince him that there isn't a "scheme" at play.
The chorus reinforces the tension, as the singer questions how long the situation has been occurring. It implies that the singer is becoming increasingly anxious about the relationship's stability, despite being given assurances that everything is ok. The repeated lines and the song's structure build up a sense of foreboding that may allude to an eventual breakup or betrayal. Still, it is ultimately left up to interpretation, and listeners may find their meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
How long has this been goin' on?
How long has this situation been happening?
How long has this been goin' on?
The same question as before, emphasizing the duration.
Well, if friends with their fancy persuasions
If your friends with their elaborate ways of convincing
Don't admit that it's part of a scheme
Refusing to acknowledge that their actions are part of a larger plan.
Then I can't help but have my suspicions
This leads me to have doubts about their intentions.
I'm not as dumb as I seem
Despite appearances, I'm not naive.
Just said you never intended
You just mentioned that you didn't plan to do something.
To break up our singing this way
To cause us to separate in this manner.
But there ain't no use in pretendin'
However, there's no point in pretending otherwise.
It could happen to us any day
There's a possibility that it could happen to us at any time.
Oh, your friends with their fancy persuasions
Repeating the earlier line with more emphasis on 'your friends.'
No, I'm not as dumb as I seem
Reasserting the fact that he's not naive.
You said you never intended
Repeating the earlier line.
To break up our singing this way
Repeating the earlier line.
But there ain't any use in pretending
Repeating the earlier line using slightly different words.
It could happen to us any day, oh, tell me
Ending with the same sentiment as before, asking for more information about the situation.
How long has this been going on?
The same question from the beginning.
How long has this been going on?
Again, repeating the same question to emphasize it.
How long has this been going on?
For the third time, asking the same question, demonstrating the concern and curiosity.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: PAUL MELVYN CARRACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind