How Long Has This Been Going On?

From the musical “Smarty”, 1927
Words by Ira Gershwin
Music by George Gershwin

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The sheet music:

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Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:

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Lyrics

1. 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, never more!”
   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

Refrain:
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?

2. ‘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 chessmen
   Darling, can’t you see, ‘Twas for charity
   Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
   Who’d a’thought I’d be brought to a state that’s so delirious?

Refrain:
I could cry salty tears
Where have I been all these years?
Listen, you, tell me do
How long has this been going on?
What a kick! How 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?

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