How Long Has This Been Going On
Harry Lyrics


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As a tot, when I trotted in little velvet panties,
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! How I lost out!

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?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harry's song "How Long Has This Been Going On?" seem to be telling the story of a person who has lived a sheltered life until recently, and is now discovering the joys of love and physical affection. The first verse talks about how, as a child, the person was kissed by their sisters, cousins, and aunties, but found it unpleasant and vowed to never kiss anyone again. However, they now realize that they were wrong and have missed out on something wonderful. In the second verse, the person describes the physical sensations they feel when they are kissed, saying that it feels like they are being transported to heaven.


The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, asking the question "How long has this been going on?" This could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a rhetorical question, emphasizing the person's surprise at how long they have been missing out on love and affection. Alternatively, it could be a literal question, asking their partner how long they have been in love or how long they have been harboring feelings for each other. Either way, the song seems to be celebrating the discovery of love and physical intimacy after a period of ignorance or denial.


Line by Line Meaning

As a tot, when I trotted in little velvet panties,
As a child, when I wore small velvet underwear,


I was kissed by my sisters, my cousins, and my aunties.
My siblings, relatives, and cousins would kiss me.


Sad to tell, it was hell, an inferno worse than Dante's.
Unhappily, it felt like a terrible experience that was worse than Dante's Inferno.


So my dear I swore,
So my love, I pledged


"Never, never more !"
"Never, ever again!"


On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
I made a list that included the removal of kissing.


Now, I find I was blind, and oh my! How I lost out!
Now I realize I was ignorant, and how much I missed out.


I could cry salty tears,
I'm so emotional that I could cry salty tears,


Where have I been all these years?
Where have I been in all these years?


Little wow, tell me now,
You who are impressed, tell me now,


How long has this been going on?
What is the length of time that this has been happening?


There were chills up my spine,
My spine felt a sensation of cold,


And some thrills I can't define.
And a few sensations that I can't explain.


Listen, sweet, I repeat,
Listen, my darling, I say again,


How long has this been going on?
What is the duration of this occurrence?


Oh, I feel that I could melt,
Oh, I feel like I could turn into liquid,


Into Heaven I'm hurled!
I'm thrown into Heaven!


I know how Columbus felt,
I understand how Columbus felt,


Finding another world.
Discovering a new world.


Kiss me once, then once more.
Kiss me one time, then a second time.


What a dunce I was before.
I realize how foolish I was before.


What a break! For Heaven's sake!
What good fortune! For the love of Heaven!


How long has this been going on?
What is the length of time that this has been happening?


Dear, when in your arms I creep,
Darling, when I stealthily enter your embrace,


That divine rendezvous,
That heavenly encounter,


Don't wake me, if I'm asleep,
Please don't wake me if I'm sleeping,


Let me dream that it's true!
Allow me to believe that it's valid!


Kiss me twice, then once more.
Kiss me two times, then one more.


That makes thrice, let's make it four!
That's three; let's make it four!


How long has this been going on?
What is the duration of this occurrence?


How long has this, been going on?
What is the length of time that this has been happening?




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: William C Handy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@healthclubnews

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All comments from YouTube:

@halfway2heaven2

WHOLE VIBE ❤❤❤❤!!! I'm a 62 year old black female and let me tell you, I MISS this kinda music! REAL MUSIC BY REAL ARTISTS! Best music back then and I am here and present for it!! ❤!

@ljgsuper

it doesnt matter what you are. i'm a 61 yo wb. it's just good vibes. PBWU....chicago btw

@WayneMasoka

Im 77 and I love the vibe and beat. Great for a dance and just love the tune.

@dickie7311

hi baby, im looking for a younger black lady

@denniswatterson1409

Where you from

@denniswatterson1409

@halfway " where you from sis

15 More Replies...

@kiwigirl3330

AWESOME I’m 65 and still LOVE this❤❤❤

@wendymoney2043

I’m going on 76 + my voice is still a powerhouse singing along with him! 😉😁 There will never be sounds like this era again…weren’t we lucky! 🫠🎼🎤🎹

@eddyriley2055

me to, brill, with this , age is a bonus. taylor swift, my arse.

@AletaNichols-mk9yz

Keep Rockin It!

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