Jimmy Raney began his jazz guitar career very early with the history showing he played in the Jerry Wald band in 1944 at age 17.
In 1946 he worked for a time as guitarist with the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's in Chicago, his first paying gig. Raney also worked in the Artie Shaw Orchestra and collaborated with Woody Herman for nine months in 1948. He also collaborated and recorded with Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig and later on with Bob Brookmeyer. In 1967 alcoholism and other professional difficulties led him to leave New York City and return to his native Louisville. He resurfaced in the 1970s and also did work with his son Doug, who is also a guitarist. Raney suffered for thirty years from Meniere's Disease, a degenerative condition that eventually led to near complete deafness in both ears. Fortunately, his playing remained unaffected. Raney died of heart failure in Louisville Ky. on May 10th of 1995, just short of his 68th birthday. An obituary in the New York Times referred to Jimmy Raney as 'one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world .
How Long has this Been Going on?
Jimmy Raney Lyrics
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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!
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?
The lyrics to Jimmy Raney's song "How Long has this Been Going On?" tell the story of a person who, as a child, was kissed by their sisters, cousins, and aunties, leading them to believe that kissing was not something to enjoy. However, as they get older, they realize that they were wrong and that they have been missing out on something special. The singer is asking their lover how long they have been feeling this way, and it seems that they have just discovered the joys of kissing.
The lyrics are filled with poetic language, with references to Dante's Inferno and being "melted into Heaven." There is a sense of wonder and excitement in the singer's realization that they have been missing out on something important.
The song is not just about physical intimacy, but also about the joy of discovery and the importance of being open to new experiences. It also touches on the idea of regret and the realization that we often don't appreciate things until they are gone.
Line by Line Meaning
As a tot, when I trotted in little velvet panties,
When I was a child, wearing little velvet underclothes,
I was kissed by my sisters, my cousins, and my aunties.
I received kisses from my female relatives: sisters, cousins, and aunts.
Sad to tell, it was hell, an inferno worse than Dante's.
Unfortunately, it was a painful experience, even worse than Dante's description of hell.
So my dear I swore, "Never, never more !"
As a result, I promised myself that it would never happen again.
On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
I made it clear that kissing was absolutely off-limits for me.
Now, I find I was blind, and oh my! How I lost out!
However, now I realize that I was mistaken and how much I missed out on.
I could cry salty tears, Where have I been all these years?
I am filled with regret and feel like I wasted so much time.
Little wow, tell me now, How long has this been going on?
In disbelief, I ask how long this has been happening.
There were chills up my spine, And some thrills I can't define.
I experienced an exhilarating sensation that I cannot fully explain.
Listen, sweet, I repeat, How long has this been going on?
I ask again, pleading for an answer, unable to comprehend the situation.
Oh, I feel that I could melt, Into Heaven I'm hurled!
I am overwhelmed with emotion and feel like I am in heaven.
I know how Columbus felt, Finding another world.
I can relate to how Columbus felt when he discovered a new world.
Kiss me once, then once more. What a dunce I was before.
Now, I want to experience it all: one kiss, then another. I regret my previous naivety.
What a break! For Heaven's sake! How long has this been going on?
This is too good of an opportunity to pass up, and I can't believe it's been going on for so long.
Dear, when in your arms I creep, That divine rendezvous,
When I am in your embrace, it feels like a heavenly encounter.
Don't wake me, if I'm asleep, Let me dream that it's true!
I wish to remain in this moment and dream that it's not just a fantasy.
Kiss me twice, then once more. That makes thrice, let's make it four!
Why stop at two kisses when we can have three or four? Let's continue this blissful experience.
How long has this been going on? How long has this, been going on?
Once again, I am in disbelief and ask for clarification on how long this has been happening.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
steve
this footage has impacted more than anything I have ever seen in regards too what I am truly searching for, everything from this completely down to earth discussion was enlightening, I felt as if jimmy and I were in the same room, and by the laid back honesty of his demonstration. I have experienced an epiphany and am at a completely new level of understanding. I never even do comments. and bet I sound over the top. but this changes everything somehow. spoke to me. thank you for posting this.
omko73
Thank you for Sharing this great sensation
Tony DeCaprio
Studied with him back in my teens. Was so lucky to know him. He was and still is my greatest influence. He left a wonderful legacy behind and this is a fact of an international treasure for any aspiring player to explore, if only he or she is willing to take the time to *really listen* and learn. There was only one Jimmy Raney.
kellyismusic
WOW; you studied + knew him..You sure where very fortunate. I just heard of him + will get into his music in the future; soon as I can.
photopicker
I had his Abersole book. Lots of juicy lines and music. One of my favorites.
Difficult to Care
René Thomas must have loved him
Tony DeCaprio
@Difficult to Care yea...a little too much...
christopher hanna
When he plays Charlie Parker it sounds, feels and seems right in every way.. His understanding of the differences in phrasing between the bebop greats is deep beyond deep. So much to learn. Thank you for sharing this..
DSMusic
Couldn't have said it better.
telecaster1966
Thanks so much for posting this. What a total master of his craft, and humble as well. I love many jazz guitarists, but for me it doesn't get much better than the work that Jimmy and Tal did.