Mercer was born in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. Her mother was a young, white English music hall performer, and her father was a black American jazz musician whom Mabel never knew. At age fourteen, she left her convent school in Manchester, and toured Britain and Europe with her aunt in vaudeville and music hall engagements.
In 1928, she was an unknown member of the black chorus in the London production of Show Boat, but she had become the toast of Paris by the 1930s, with admirers who included Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Cole Porter.
When World War II broke out, she traveled to America to sing in the finest supper clubs in New York City. She also made many concert appearances across the U.S. In the late 1960s, she gave two legendary concerts with Bobby Short at Town Hall in New York City. Both were released by Atlantic Records: Mabel Mercer & Bobby Short at Town Hall, in 1968, (Atlantic SD 2-604) and Mabel Mercer & Bobby Short Second Town Hall Concert, in 1969 (Atlantic SD 2-605). In 1969, she made two appearances on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Her original and reissued albums are collector's items. Atlantic Records reissued four of her early LPs in a boxed set in 1975, in honor of her 75th birthday. She was awarded Stereo Review Magazine's first Award for Merit, for her lifetime achievement and for "outstanding contributions to the quality of American musical life." This award was officially renamed the Mabel Mercer Award in 1984.
A photograph of Mercer in later life, from the archives of The Mabel Mercer Foundation.
When Mercer returned on 4 July 1977 for her first performance in England in 41 years, the BBC filmed three evenings' performances and later broadcast it in a week-long late-night television program, a BBC first for an entertainer.
In 1978, "Midnight at Mabel Mercer's," her 1956 album on Atlantic, was praised as "one of the best recordings of the past twenty years" by Stereo Review. That same year, Mercer played at San Francisco's Club Mocambo to sold-out audiences, in celebration of her 78th birthday.
Ace in the Hole
Mabel Mercer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bad times, may bar you from Sak's
At times, when Satan in slacks
Breaks down your self control
Maybe, as often it goes
Your Abe-y, may tire of his rose
So baby, this rule I propose
Sad times, may follow your tracks
Bad times, may bar you from Sak's
At times, when Satan in slacks
Breaks down your self control
Maybe, as often it goes
Your Abe-y, may tire of his rose
So baby, this rule I propose
Always have an ace in the hole
Always have an ace in the hole
The song Ace in the Hole performed by Mabel Mercer is considered to be a classic jazz standard that has been covered by many artists since it was first recorded in 1956. The lyrics of the song offer advice to the listener on how to be prepared for the difficulties that life can bring. The first verse warns that sad and bad times may follow and bar one's path, and highlights the importance of having a backup or an ace in the hole. The second verse suggests that even a partner may tire of their significant other, and therefore having a backup plan is essential.
Metaphorically speaking, the "ace in the hole" is a hidden asset or a backup plan. The song advises that no matter how well your present situation is, it is always wise to have unidentified options that could help you in the face of adversity. The refrain "Always have an ace in the hole" repeats this advice and reinforces the idea that life can be unpredictable, and one's success may depend on having something up their sleeve.
The song's themes of resilience, determination, and self-reliance have made it popular among audiences throughout the decades. The song's lyrics and melody are straightforward and easy to learn, adding to the song's already considerable appeal. Ace in the Hole is considered one of Mabel Mercer's signature songs and has become a timeless classic in the great American songbook.
Line by Line Meaning
Sad times, may follow your tracks
You may encounter difficult and unpleasant times that may follow you closely.
Bad times, may bar you from Sak's
You may not have access to luxury or be hindered from enjoying the finer things in life due to difficult circumstances.
At times, when Satan in slacks
In moments when negative influences are present or temptation arises.
Breaks down your self control
When you feel like you are losing control or cannot resist certain temptations.
Maybe, as often it goes
It is common for situations to occur where...
Your Abe-y, may tire of his rose
Your partner or significant other may lose interest in you.
So baby, this rule I propose
In order to avoid negative consequences, I suggest the following rule...
Always have an ace in the hole
Always have a backup plan or strategy to rely on in difficult or uncertain situations.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind