How Long Has This Been Going On?

Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of 'How Long Has This Been Going On?' is a soulful exploration of awakening to true love and the realization of what has been missed. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who has spent much of her life in superficial relationships, symbolized by the metaphor of 'caressing men' at bazaars for money. These interactions are likened to playing chess, where the men are mere pawns, and the emotional connection is non-existent. This sets the stage for the profound transformation she experiences upon discovering genuine love.

The chorus reveals her astonishment and regret at not having recognized this deep connection earlier. The lines 'I could cry salty tears / Where have I been all these years?' express a poignant sense of lost time and missed opportunities. The metaphor of feeling chills and thrills that she 'can't define' underscores the intensity and novelty of her emotions. This newfound love is so overwhelming that she compares it to Columbus discovering a new world, highlighting the magnitude of her emotional discovery.

Ella's performance imbues the song with a sense of vulnerability and wonder. The repeated question, 'How long has this been going on?' serves as a refrain that encapsulates her disbelief and joy. The song's conclusion, with its plea for more kisses and the realization of her previous ignorance, underscores the transformative power of love. Fitzgerald's jazz-infused style, characterized by her impeccable phrasing and emotive delivery, brings the lyrics to life, making the listener feel the depth of her awakening and the bittersweet joy of her newfound love.