Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most… Read Full Bio ↴Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most important musician involved in the hugely popular Latin dance craze. Whether he actually created the rhythm is somewhat disputed, but it's abundantly clear that Prado developed it into a bright, swinging style with massive appeal for dancers of all backgrounds and classes. Prado's mambo was filled with piercing high-register trumpets, undulating saxophone counterpoint, atmospheric organ (later on), and harmonic ideas borrowed from jazz. While his tight percussion arrangements allowed for little improvisation, they were dense and sharply focused, keeping the underlying syncopations easy for dancers to follow. Prado played the piano, but was often more in his element as the focal point of the audience's excitement; he leaped, kicked, danced, shouted, grunted, and exhorted his musicians with a dynamic stage presence that put many more sedate conductors and bandleaders to shame. With this blueprint, Prado brought mambo all the way into the pop mainstream, inspiring countless imitators and scoring two number one singles on the pop charts (albeit in a smoother vein than the fare that first made his name) as the fad snowballed. He was a star throughout most of the Western Hemisphere during the '50s, and even after his popularity waned in the United States, he remained a widely respected figure in many Latin countries, especially his adopted home of Mexico. Prado is often best remembered for his softer, more commercial work, which has an undeniable kitschiness that plays well with modern-day lounge-revival hipsters. Unfortunately, that has served to obscure his very real credentials in the realm of authentic, unadulterated Latin dance music, and to this day he remains somewhat underappreciated.

Taking A Chance On Love
Perez Prado and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again
All aglow again, taking a chance on love
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again
Starry-eyed again, taking a chance on love

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try
But now I'm taking the game up and the ace of hearts is high
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now

We'll have a happy ending now, taking a chance on love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Perez Prado and His Orchestra's song "Taking A Chance On Love" evoke a sense of excitement and optimism in the pursuit of love. The opening lines, "Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again," suggest a renewed enthusiasm and readiness to take a risk on love. The mention of trumpets signifies a joyful and celebratory atmosphere, setting the tone for the song.

The lyrics continue with "All aglow again, taking a chance on love," emphasizing the feeling of being illuminated and energized by the prospect of love. It suggests a willingness to open oneself up to the uncertainties and possibilities that come with taking a leap of faith in romantic relationships. The repeated phrase "taking a chance on love" becomes both a declaration and an affirmation of the singer's decision to pursue love despite previous reservations.

The lyrics also touch upon the singer's past reluctance to engage in the game of love, with lines such as "I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try." However, there has been a change of heart, and the singer is now ready to embrace the risks and rewards that love can bring. The mention of the "ace of hearts" being high signifies the potential for a successful and fulfilling romantic encounter.

Line by Line Meaning

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again
Once more, I am embarking on a new adventure, as the sound of trumpets fills the air.

All aglow again, taking a chance on love
My spirit is illuminated with excitement once more, as I dare to pursue love.

Here I slide again, about to take that ride again
Once again, I am preparing myself to embark on a thrilling journey.

Starry-eyed again, taking a chance on love
Filled with optimism and wonder, I am ready to risk it all for love.

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try
In the past, I believed that gambling was a deceptive trick, and I would never attempt it.

But now I'm taking the game up and the ace of hearts is high
However, now I am actively participating in the game of love, and the potential for a truly passionate connection is at its peak.

Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now
At this moment, circumstances are improving, and I am witnessing harmony and joy coming together.

We'll have a happy ending now, taking a chance on love
With this gamble I am taking on love, I anticipate a joyful outcome, a satisfying conclusion to our story.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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