Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
How Long Has This Been Going On?
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song "How Long Has This Been Going On" by Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington is a jazzy composition that conveys the singer's feelings of being overwhelmed by love after years of not having experienced it. The opening verse of the song is particularly interesting as it suggests the singer has been a paid companion to men: "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." At first listen, it may seem as though the song is about a professional escort, but upon further analysis, there is a distinct possibility that this verse is metaphorical. The following lines, "Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men/Darling, can't you see?/'Twas for charity?" suggest that the "caressing" was an act for charity and not an actual business arrangement.
The next verse transitions into the singer's emotions, admitting that she has never taken love seriously until it happened to her. "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?" The final verses of the song are filled with passion and romance, with the singer describing the new sensations that she is experiencing because of love: "I could cry salty tears/Where have I been all these years?/Little wow, tell me now/How long has this been goin' on?"
Line by Line Meaning
Neath the stars, at bazaars
I have often found myself in lavish social settings where men try to woo me.
Often I've had to caress men
I have had to play along with men's advances, be it for charity or personal gain.
Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
I have had to accept payment for my presence or performances, while knowing how superficial these exchanges are.
Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
These men are merely pawns in a greater game, and I don't feel any deep connection to them.
Darling, can't you see?
I am addressing someone special to me, asking them to understand my past experiences.
'Twas for charity?
I am questioning my own motives for playing along with men, wondering if it was for a good cause or for my own sake.
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
I may have said or done things I regret, but I never let these interactions go beyond a certain point.
Who'd have thought, I'd be brought to a state that's so delirious?
I am amazed by how someone has made me feel, perhaps confessing a newfound love or passion.
I could cry salty tears
I am overcome with emotion, feeling like I've missed out on something meaningful.
Where have I been all these years?
I am reflecting on my past experiences and how I got to this moment.
Little wow, tell me now
I am addressing someone affectionately, wanting them to share in my feelings.
How long has this been goin' on?
I am asking a rhetorical question, expressing disbelief at how long I've been missing out on something special.
There were chills up my spine
I am describing a physical sensation of excitement and anticipation.
And some thrills I can't define
I can't put my finger on what exactly is making me feel so exhilarated.
Listen sweet, I repeat
I am emphasizing what I want my companion to hear and understand.
Oh, I feel that I could melt
I am overwhelmed by my feelings, even to the point of losing myself.
Into heaven I'm hurled
I am in a state of ecstasy, feeling like I am being lifted up by my emotions.
I know how columbus felt
I am comparing my sense of discovery and wonder to that of a great explorer.
Finding another world
I feel like I have unearthed something new and exciting.
Kiss me once, then once more
I am inviting my companion to share their affection towards me, and enjoy it again.
What a dunce I was before
I am criticizing myself for not recognizing the importance of this love or passion earlier.
What a break, for heaven's sake
This moment is a blessing or a stroke of luck, too good to let go.
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four
I am basking in the pleasure of being kissed, welcoming more and more.
What a break, for heaven's sake
Again, I am expressing my gratitude for having found someone special who makes me feel this way.
How long has this been goin' on?
The question comes back, asking if this amazing feeling could've been there all along, and how long it will last.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnhextall1136
Ira Gershwin said he and his brother George never realised how good their songs were until they heard Ella sing them.
@Dylonely42
She had a wonderful voice…
@DaOrigTruthSeeker
This is the best version of this song to date.
@matheus5230
Ella made other two great versions: in 1957, almost 6 minutes long for the album Like Someone To Love, arranged by Frank Devol, and another in 1959 arranged by Nelson Riddle for the Gershwin songbook
@sfden50
Thank God we have the recordings, because American music is never going to be this good again. Ella here is simply beyond words - perfect, yet so human - I'm at a loss for words - Just hearing her sing lifts me way up -
@gamingcreed9952
So glad fallout exist, will be back next year 😌💛
@Dylonely42
Very fine song and voice.
@oxford172
I feel myself melting with her voice, nobody can top Ella!
@Deeperondown
Wow. This is perfection to my ears.
@AmandaChoin217
I have fallen asleep to this song for about 2 weeks... I love it! :)