How Long Has This Been Going On?

Song Meaning

Diane Schuur's rendition of "How Long Has This Been Going On?" isn't just a jazz standard; it's a psychological portrait of belated awakening. The song's central question, repeated like a mantra, isn't merely about the duration of a romance, but the speaker's prolonged emotional slumber. The initial lines, "I could cry salty tears, where have I been all these years," suggest a profound regret for time wasted, a recognition of missed opportunities for connection and joy. It's the dawning awareness of a capacity for feeling that has been dormant, perhaps suppressed by fear or circumstance. The lyrics capture the disorienting yet exhilarating sensation of suddenly perceiving the world in vibrant color after a lifetime in grayscale. The song cleverly juxtaposes the speaker's past ignorance with her present euphoria. "What a dunce I was before," she confesses, acknowledging her previous inability to recognize or embrace such profound emotional connection. This isn't just romantic infatuation; it's a rediscovery of self. The Columbus metaphor—"I know how Columbus felt, finding another world"—elevates the experience to a transformative event. She's not just finding love; she's charting new emotional territory within herself. Schuur's interpretation, imbued with her signature blend of vulnerability and power, amplifies this sense of personal revelation. The latter half of the song delves deeper into the speaker's desire to prolong the experience, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. "Don't wake me if I'm asleep, let me dream that it's true" underscores a fear that this newfound bliss might be ephemeral. The repeated requests for kisses ("Kiss me twice, then once more, that makes thrice, let's make it four") reflect a desperate attempt to solidify the moment, to make the dream tangible. Ultimately, Diane Schuur's rendition of "How Long Has This Been Going On?" serves as a potent exploration of belated self-discovery, the bittersweet joy of awakening to a world of emotion, and the inherent human desire to hold onto those moments of profound connection.