How long has this been going on?

'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 chess-men

Darling, can't you see
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips,
It was never really serious
Who'd have thought I'd be brought
To a state that's so delirious?

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, oh I repeat
How long has this been going on?

Oh, I feel that I could melt
As 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?