How Long

Ace

About How Long

"How Long" is a 1975 song by the British group Ace from their album Five-A-Side. It reached No. 3 in the US and Canadian charts, and No. 20 in the UK Singles Chart. Although widely interpreted as being about adultery, the song was in fact composed by lead singer Paul Carrack upon discovering that bassist Terry Comer had been secretly working with the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver. Comer returned to Ace in time to play on the song. The guitar solo is by Alan "Bam" King.


Year:
1974
1,923 
#8

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How long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?

Well, if friends with their fancy persuasion
Don't admit that it's part of a scheme
Then I can't help but have my suspicions
'Cause I ain't quite as dumb as I seem
And you said you was never intending
To break up our scene in this way
But there ain't any use in pretending
It could happen to us any day

How long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?

Oh, your friends with their fancy persuasion
Don't admit that it's part of a scheme
But I can't help but have my suspicions
'Cause I ain't quite as dumb as I seem
Oh, you said you was never intending
To break up our scene in this way
But there ain't any use in pretending
It could happen to us any day

And how long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?
How long?
How long has this been going on?
How long has this, how long has this been going on?
How long, how long has this been going on?
How long has this been going on?

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Ace

An ace is a playing card. In the standard French deck, an ace has a single suit symbol (a heart, diamond, spade, or club) located in the middle of the card, sometimes large and decorated, especially in the case of the Ace of Spades. This embellishment on the Ace of Spades started when King James VI of Scotland and I of England required an insignia of the printing house to be printed on the Ace of Spades. This insignia was necessary for identifying the printing house and stamping it as having paid the new tax. Although this requirement was abolished in 1960, the tradition has been kept by many card makers. more »

1 fan

Written by: PAUL MELVYN CARRACK

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Release and Ranking
The song "How Long" by the British rock band Ace was released in 1974. It was the lead single from their debut album "Five-A-Side." - This classic song managed to secure its place on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching the #3 spot. It also charted in the UK at #20.
Song Theme
"How Long" has been wrongly perceived as a song about infidelity. However, Paul Carrack, the vocalist of the band and the song's writer, clarified that the song was about the imminent break-up of the band.
Songwriting Details
Paul Carrack wrote the song "How Long" in a short period. Despite dealing with feelings of frustration and disillusionment, Carrack successfully turned those feelings into an enduring hit song.
Carrack's Career
Although Paul Carrack is known for his time with Ace and for the hit "How Long," he has also collaborated with several other well-known bands and artists. These include Squeeze, Roger Waters, Elton John, and The Eagles. - Carrack's distinctive voice complements "How Long" and helped boost its popularity. He has often been referred to as "The Man with the Golden Voice" in his native England.
Song's Longevity
Despite being over four decades old, the song "How Long" continues to receive airplay to this day. It is frequently played on classic rock and soft rock radio stations. - The song has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart and Bobby Womack, highlighting its enduring appeal and timeless message.
Impact and Legacy
"How Long" stands as one of the most notable AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) songs of the 1970s. It helped pave the way for bands like Journey, REO Speedwagon, and Boston who would carry the AOR torch in the late 70s and beyond. - The single was the band's biggest hit and has since been a staple in various film and television soundtracks.
Music Video
The music video for "How Long" features the band performing the song. Carrack is seen passionately singing the lyrics while the others provide backup instrumentation. The video captured the band's live energy and stage presence, allowing viewers to connect with the song.

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    How Long

    6.9M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #3


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