The Ace of Cups came together in Haight-Ashbury right as psychedelic rock was taking off, and played a mostly original repertoire, with most of the band writing and all of them singing. Guitarist Denise Kaufman, who did more of the songwriting and lead vocals than any other member, had sung and played harmonica on an obscure 1966 garage rock single by Denise & Company; she was also the ex-girlfriend of future Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner. Originally they were managed by Ambrose Hollingsworth, who’d managed Quicksilver Messenger Service in their early days before getting disabled by a car accident. Hollingsworth in turn eventually passed the reins over to Ron Polte, who’d succeeded Hollingsworth as Quicksilver’s manager.
Despite achieving a fair amount of recognition in the Bay Area (and a brief plug in a December 1967 issue of Melody Maker by Jimi Hendrix, with whom the band had played a free concert in the Golden Gate Park panhandle shortly after the Monterey Pop Festival), they never got a record deal. Why that didn’t happen isn’t entirely clear, as they had opportunities to sign with Warner Bros., Capitol, and Fantasy. Their management evidently felt the band wasn’t ready or that the offers weren’t suitable; keyboardist Marla Hunt has also said that Albert Grossman was interested in signing them, but had his offer turned down by Polte. Too, there was some reluctance in the group to tour behind records as some of them were starting families. They did appear on some records after a fashion when Kaufman’s “Flute Song” was recorded on Quicksilver Messenger Service’s Shady Grove album in 1969, and the group did some backing vocals on records by Quicksilver, Jefferson Airplane, Nick Gravenites, and Mike Bloomfield.
In the early ’70s, the band began to lose momentum as original members drifted away. The lineup changed so much that at one point three men were in the group, which came to an end around 1972. In 2003, late-’60s Ace of Cups rehearsals, demos, TV soundstages, and in-concert tapes were assembled together for the Big Beat CD compilation It’s Bad for You But Buy It!, which also includes “Boy, What’ll You Do Then,” a song from Denise & Company’s 1966 single. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
Music
The Ace Of Cups Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything will be alright
I call my baby on the telephone,
Just to let him know that hes not alone
We got no money and so many bills to pay,
I wonder will we make another day
And then my baby says,
All you've got to do in this whole world is play
Music,freeist that you can
Music, snap your fingers clap your hand
Music, laugh and let your heart feel glad,
Everything will be alright
Now we got no money to pay the rent,
And what we earned tonight, well it's already spent
My baby say dont worry if times get hard,
Just before the dawn it always gets this dark (dont ya know)
And when it gets so black you think the end is near,
Well thats when all the stars appear
Just like music, they light up the land,
Music, snap your fingers clap your hand,
Music, laugh and let your heart feel glad,
Everything will be alright (i can believe it)
Everything will be alright
(just have faith that) everything will be alright ,
Everything will be alright ......
The Ace Of Cups's song Music is a uplifting tune that speaks to the transformative power of music. The song begins with a narrator who is worried about money and bills, wondering if she and her partner will make it through another day. However, her partner reminds her that all they need is music. The recurring chorus of "Music... music... music" emphasizes this point, emphasizing the significance of music in the face of financial struggles.
The singer's partner encourages her to play the "freeist" music possible and to let go of her worries. The music they play will lift their spirits and make everything alright. The song takes on an even more profound meaning when the couple faces difficult times. Their financial situation deteriorates, and they realize they cannot pay rent. However, the singer's partner reminds her that even when things seem their darkest, they can turn to music. The music will be like the stars that light up their darkest moments and help them reclaim hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Music... music... music
Music is the central theme and the source of comfort and hope throughout this piece of music.
Everything will be alright
The repeated affirmation 'Everything will be alright' serves as a refrain, emphasizing the message that music can provide peace of mind during tough times.
I call my baby on the telephone,
The singer is trying to offer emotional support to her loved one in a time of hardship by connecting with them over the phone.
Just to let him know that hes not alone
The artist wants the other person to feel less isolated by reaching out and reminding them that they are not going through their struggles alone.
We got no money and so many bills to pay,
The artist is facing financial stress and feels overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibilities they have to deal with.
I wonder will we make another day
The singer is uncertain about whether they will be able to get through these challenging times, and is feeling discouraged as a result.
He says "girl
The singer's partner is trying to reassure and motivate her with these words.
All you've got to do in this whole world is play
The partner is suggesting that music is a powerful tool that can help the artist to cope with their problems and find happiness.
Music,freeist that you can
The music being celebrated in this song is the kind that is liberating and free-spirited.
Music, snap your fingers clap your hand
The artist is encouraging listeners to physically engage with the music, to enjoy its catchy rhythm and lively beat.
Music, laugh and let your heart feel glad,
Music is an emotional release that can bring joy and laughter to people, even in times of hardship.
Now we got no money to pay the rent,
The artist is still dealing with financial stress and is struggling to keep up with basic expenses like rent.
And what we earned tonight, well it's already spent
The singer is working hard to make ends meet, but their earnings don't seem to be enough to cover all their bills and debts.
My baby say dont worry if times get hard
The singer's partner is trying to be a source of comfort and reassurance by telling them not to worry about the difficulties they are facing.
Just before the dawn it always gets this dark (dont ya know)
This line is a metaphor meant to illustrate that sometimes things get worse before they get better. The singer is suggesting that there may be hope in the midst of darkness and struggle.
And when it gets so black you think the end is near,
The artist is painting a bleak picture of despair and hopelessness, suggesting that sometimes struggles can make us feel like there is no way out.
Well thats when all the stars appear
Just as stars light up a dark sky, the artist is suggesting that music can provide light and guidance in hard times.
Just like music, they light up the land,
This line reinforces the idea of music as a beacon of hope, and suggests that it has the power to help people see more clearly in times of darkness.
Everything will be alright (i can believe it)
The singer is offering a message of hope and encouragement, and is choosing to believe that things will get better.
Just have faith that everything will be alright ,
This line is a call to action, urging listeners to have faith and to keep believing in a better future.
Everything will be alright ......
The song ends on a note of optimism, suggesting that even in the most difficult of circumstances, there is always hope for better days ahead.
Contributed by Parker Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CydnotCharrise1
I am 70 and have been writing and singing songs for over 30 years ( thousands ). Never was able to put a band together but have never given up hope. You inspire me. Your story tells me to never give up. I was in the City back in the 60s and a few years in the 70s. I still wear flowers in my hair. I didn't make it back to San Francisco to celebrate the 50th but my nieces did and for my 70th birthday they brought me a t-shirt and a REALLY big peace sign. I love love love this song.
E Zampieri
So happy for you man. Thanks for sharing your love
Bacon licious
This 58-year-old hippy is seriously digging this lol, can't get the smile off my face. Congrats girls, long time coming but more than well deserved!
beachdog67
It's been a half-century since I saw this band perform. Until tonight.
Sisters are still rockin' it!
Really, now more than ever. Cos you take that energy and enthusiasm from back then, and mix it with each member's lifetime of experience and accumulated wisdom, and there's a richness and texture those kids, good as they were, just didn't have yet.
Gods, it was fun being young, but at this point it really means something.
Thanks for a wonderful evening!
Monster Girl
Ever since I bought the CD years ago, I have been IN LOVE with this band!! Their music has brought me to tears many times. I treasure them, and am so incredibly happy that they are still as vibrant and musical as ever, making the world a better place, one song at a time. I love the Ace of Cups with all my heart.
Daniel Rose
Denise I can't understand why you weren't on the Revolution Album I have, you rocked! Didn't know about you until I just watched the documentary ^^
Denise Kaufman
@Jim Rauh Hi, this album is our studio debut. The one GG was referring to was mostly culled from live shows we taped for our own use.
Monster Girl
@Jim Rauh I was referring to the CD called "It's Bad For You But Buy It."
Jim Rauh
GG:If this is their debut CD, how could you have bought it years ago?
Lenny Anders
I saw them live when I was a teen, so happy they are finally playing together again and recording.