How Long Has This Been Going On

How Long Has This Been Going On
music by George Gershwin (left)
lyric by Ira Gershwin (right)

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, nevermore!"
On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
Now I find I was blind, and---oh, lady---how I've 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?

'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, I was never really serious.
Who'd'a thought I'd be brought to a state that's so delerious?

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 you---tell me do:
How long has this been going on?

What a kick---now I buzz!
Boy, you click as no one does!
Hear me, sweet, I repeat:
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?

(reprise)

Dear, oh dear! Is that nice!
Listen love, I smell a mice!
What's the mess? Come, confess!
How long has this been going on?

Goodness' sake! My, what brass!
Just a big snake in the grass!
I must know, you so-and-so,
How long has this been going on?