How Long Has This Been Going On?
Ella Fitzgerald/Nelson Riddle's Orchestra Lyrics
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Often I've had to caress men
Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
Darling, can't you see?
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
I could cry salty tears
Where have I been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now
How long has this been goin' on?
There were chills up my spine
And some thrills I can't define
Listen sweet, I repeat
How long has this been goin' 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 goin' on?
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four
What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?
The lyrics to Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson's "How Long Has This Been Going On" tell a story of a woman who is reflecting on her past experiences with men. She reveals that she has had to use her charm to collect money from men and that it never went beyond just a game of chess. She assures her lover that it was all for charity and that she never took it seriously. The woman then acknowledges her deep feelings for her lover and wonders how long she has been in love with him without realizing it. She admits that just one kiss from him has transformed her world and that she wants more of it.
The lyrics are poetic and showcase Fitzgerald's ability to emote and convey the emotions of the woman she is portraying. The use of the word "chess-men" is particularly clever as it not only refers to the men she has charmed, but it also subtly suggests that the game of love can be just as strategic as a game of chess. The woman's realization of her true feelings for her lover is also expressed in powerful metaphors, such as the feeling of melting into heaven and the reference to Columbus discovering a new world. Overall, the lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Neath the stars, at bazaars
Often I've had to caress men
Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
Don't be sad, i must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
I've had to entertain men at bazaars under the stars, and they would pay me five or ten dollars. But don't be sad or think it was anything serious, because to me they meant no more than chess pieces.
Darling, can't you see?
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
Who'd have thought, i'd be brought to a state that's so delirious?
My love, can’t you understand? It was all for charity. Although I may have made some mistakes, it was never anything serious. Who would have thought that it would bring me to a state of delirium?
I could cry salty tears
Where have i been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now
How long has this been goin' on?
I could cry tears of regret. Where have I been all these years? Please 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 goin' on?
There were moments with you that sent chills up my spine and gave me some thrills that I can't even describe. Listen closely, my dear, and tell me once again, 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
I feel like I'm melting away into pure bliss, it's like I'm in heaven. I can only imagine that this is how Columbus felt when he discovered a whole new 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 goin' on?
Kiss me just one more time, and then once again. How foolish I was before to not have realized how wonderful it is to be with you. What a lucky break this is, for heaven's sake! Tell me once again, how long has this been going on?
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four
What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?
Kiss me twice, then once more, and then even a fourth time! What a lucky break this is, for heaven's sake! Please, my love, tell me once again, how long has this been going on?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIKO OHASHI (PKA HUSSY R), LADY JOHN DOUGLAS SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
VAUGHN1943
Thanks for posting I absolutely love this cd and love Ella Fitzgerald what a blessing to have her and her voice in this lifetime.
Curtis Michael
Ella sounds sooo good! Of course it's a beautifully written song. There is a version of this by Patti Austin that's perfection!
Rebecca Egerter
I've been looking for this version for years, thank you
Fred Scholl
Wonderful singing!
Cris María Hernandez
Magnifica!
Lea Rodriguez
La amo
Jethro Tanjusay
'Neath the stars, at bazaars
Often I've had to caress men
Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
Darling, can't you see?
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
Who'd have thought, I'd be brought to a state that's so delirious?
I could cry salty tears
Where have I been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now
How long has this been goin' on?
There were chills up my spine
And some thrills I can't define
Listen sweet, I repeat
How long has this been goin' 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 goin' on?
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four
What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?
António Pedro Afonso
obrigado. muito obrigado
BunskDunsk
Ella, Riddle, Gershwin !