How long ?

How Long Has This Been Going On (Instrumental) 

by George Gershwin. Buy album CD: Other Songs Q - S

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 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 rendez-vous,
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 ?... .