How Long Has This Been Going On? - Rosemary Clooney

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 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?