How Long Has This Been Going On? (1959)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone suddenly realizing a profound emotional shift, moving from a detached, transactional past to an overwhelming present. The opening verses describe a history of superficial encounters, where affection was a commodity exchanged for a meager sum, with partners viewed as mere "chessmen." This past self, though acknowledging minor "slips," insisted it was "never really serious," a defense mechanism against deeper emotional investment. The tone is one of retrospective disbelief and dawning awareness. The central tension arises from the stark contrast between this past emotional sterility and the current, almost disorienting, state of bliss. The repeated question, "How long has this been going on?" isn't just about a relationship's duration, but a bewildered inquiry into the sudden intensity of feeling. The narrator seems to be grappling with an experience so powerful it redefines their entire past, making them question where they've truly been emotionally. The bridge offers a striking metaphor for this revelation: the narrator feels they could "melt" and is "hurled" into "heaven," comparing the experience to Columbus finding "another world." This hyperbolic language emphasizes the transformative nature of the current emotional state, suggesting a discovery so monumental it eclipses all prior understanding. The repeated kisses in the later verses, escalating in number, serve as a tangible expression of this newfound, overwhelming affection. What makes these lyrics so effective is their portrayal of a sudden, almost jarring, emotional awakening. The shift from the cynical, transactional intro to the ecstatic, questioning verses and bridge creates a powerful sense of discovery. The narrator's bewilderment is palpable, making the reader feel the shock and wonder of realizing a profound emotional truth they'd previously overlooked or suppressed.