How Long Has This Been Going On
Lee Konitz · Other Songs - Lee Konitz
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, never more !"
On my list, I insisted that kissing must be crossed out.
Now, I find I was blind, and oh my! How I 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?
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?
How long has this, been going on?
How Long Has This Been Going On
Lee Konitz's rendition of 'How Long Has This Been Going On' stands as a testament to his unique approach to the bebop idiom. Known for his cool, linear phrasing and avoidance of the heavy vibrato common among his contemporaries, Konitz brings a distinct intellectual clarity to this George Gershwin standard. His interpretation often emphasizes melodic invention over sheer power, allowing the song's inherent romanticism to unfold with subtle nuance. This recording captures the essence of his style, blending technical precision with an understated emotional depth that has defined his extensive discography. As a master of the tenor and alto saxophone, Konitz continues to influence generations of jazz musicians through his thoughtful engagement with the Great American Songbook.