How Long Has This Been Going On? (1927)

G. Gerswhin



"Kiss me twice then once more
That makes thrice, let’s make it four."

Lee Wiley is a long story. For now, let's just say that she was a great friend of Mildred Bailey, inspiration for Ella, Billie and Frank, and died in near obscurity. For some weird, publicity stunt reason, Lee was known to be part native-American; you can find sad pictures of her wearing a headdress or brandishing a bow and arrow on occasion. Was this supposed to make her more exotic? Give me a break. Her voice stands already as a tribute to that.


VERSE
'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?


CHORUS
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?

Here within your arms I cling
that Divine rendevous
Don’t wake me if I’m asleep
Let that dream come 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 goin' on?