Known as "Van the Man" by his fans, Morrison first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Northern Irish band Them, writing their 1964 hit "Gloria". A few years later, Morrison left the band for a successful solo career, starting with the album Astral Weeks.
Morrison has pursued an idiosyncratic musical path. Much of his music is tightly structured around the conventions of American soul and R&B, such as the popular singles "Brown Eyed Girl", "Moondance", "Domino", and "Wild Night". An equal part of his catalogue consists of lengthy, loosely connected, spiritually inspired musical journeys that show the influence of Celtic tradition, jazz, and stream-of-consciousness narrative, such as his classic album Astral Weeks and lesser known works such as Veedon Fleece and Common One. The two strains together are sometimes referred to as "Celtic Soul," and Morrison rejects the characterization of his genre of music as Rock, citing Elvis Presley as a non-influence.
He continues to perform regularly and achieved his highest U.S. chart position (number ten on the Billboard 200) with his 2008 album, Keep It Simple.
How Long Has This Been Going On
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where have I been all these years
A little while, tell me now
How long has this been going on?
There were chills, up and down my spine
Yes, there're thrills I can't define
Listen sweet, while I repeat
Oh I could feel that I could melt
Into heaven I'm hurled
Oh I know how leif erickson felt
Finding another world
Kiss me once, and then once more
Oh what a dunce I was before
What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been going on?
Repeat last verse
In Van Morrison’s “How Long Has This Been Going On,” the singer is reflecting on a new romantic relationship and the feelings of passion it ignites within them. The first stanza finds them almost in disbelief that they’ve gone so long without experiencing this love before now. They’re overwhelmed with emotion, wondering how they could’ve missed out on such a powerful connection for so many years. They’re curious about how long their new love has been blossoming without their knowledge, wanting to know every detail.
Line by Line Meaning
I could cry salty tears
I am overcome with emotions and feel like crying.
Where have I been all these years
I am reflecting on missed opportunities and wondering why I haven't experienced this before.
A little while, tell me now
I need to know how long this feeling has been going on.
How long has this been going on?
I am trying to understand the depth and duration of these emotions.
There were chills, up and down my spine
My body is reacting to the overwhelming emotions I am experiencing.
Yes, there're thrills I can't define
I am feeling a sense of excitement and joy that I can't fully express.
Listen sweet, while I repeat
I want to make sure you understand the significance of what I am feeling.
Oh I could feel that I could melt
My emotions are so intense that I feel like I am melting into them.
Into heaven I'm hurled
This experience is like being transported to another, higher level of existence.
Oh I know how leif erickson felt
I can relate to how Leif Erickson felt when he discovered a new world.
Finding another world
Discovering these new and intense emotions is like discovering a whole new world.
Kiss me once, and then once more
I want to savor this moment and experience it fully.
Oh what a dunce I was before
I regret not experiencing this feeling sooner and feel foolish for waiting so long.
What a break, for heaven's sake
This is an extraordinary and fortunate turn of events.
How long has this been going on?
I am still trying to comprehend the duration and significance of these emotions.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM C HANDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind