‘Aces are High’ by Rebecca Richard’s review

Having previously reviewed ‘The House’, Rebecca has sent me her latest release ‘Aces are High’ where she has once again teamed up with Stef Judd (Flatland Kings) at the Stable Studio, Norfolk, in producing the record.

Rebecca explains how the song was inspired by overhearing a conversation in a bar. Testament that we can draw inspiration from anywhere.

“Aces are High tells the tale of two sisters, born into a family of violence and abuse, with each taking a different path into adulthood. This foot stomping banger will keep you hooked to hear the twist of revenge by the woman who triumphed over adversity.”

“My Daddy was one who always loved talking guns 

He’d shoot down words that showed him no respect 

And my Mamma she stopped thinking and took to her drinking 

when daddy had no bones left to break.”

The first verse uses double meaning when referencing shooting, referring to the act with a firearm but also metaphorically for his mouth. It’s a common trait with power-hungry or controlling characters that they will “shoot” their mouth off or end up shooting someone down and dismissing their perspective.

The remainder of the verse equally addresses addiction through alcoholism, and domestic violence.

“Our neighbour would come by 

selling little rocks of high 

we watched as daddy smoked crystals of blue 

Me and my kid sister  

couldn’t share  their secrets 

we knew that if we did we’d only lose.”

This verse clearly portrays a troubled neighbourhood when your neighbour is a drug dealer and your father is a user. Sworn to secrecy because they know it’s wrong but saying anything will cause bigger problems.

“My aces are high

My aces are”

Reference to Aces being high is both personification and metaphorical in so much as the ace cards can’t become “high” such like the addiction alluded to in the previous verse. It’s metaphorical as it’s suggesting we have the upper hand or the best hand possible.

“With daddy put away 

another man came to stay 

he came to visit me sometimes at night 

Though mamma did her best

when she spoke he’d just protest 

and show his love, with his fist, on the right

My Momma went to stay with the angels they said 

but the angels didn't want me to visit yet 

I saw him looking at my sister, 

I knew it spelt disaster 

so I grabbed my daddy’s gun and we fled.”

This verse documents how circumstances can sometimes continue on a negative road, being subjected to abuse after abuse, often not being understood or believed. It also portrays the tragic loss of domestic abuse and the fight survivors have to endure. Whilst some may leave and “stay with the angels” others defend themselves; incriminating themselves the only way to be removed from harm.

The song returns back to the chorus speaking of having high aces. It could be argued that it is demonstrating a positive mindset that we have a great hand in life, and we are content within ourselves to not want to change or improve.

“Twenty five years later my sister’s with our momma

I guess history finds ways to replicate

Through sheer determination I bust all of their predictions, 

became the woman my daddy would hate 

Its time for retribution 

I am gambling with my future 

Got my ace card hidden in my mommas grave 

My daddy’s prints are on the trigger, 

My sights on his successor 

two lives to pay for my fate.”

This verse could be perceived as morbid, referencing how a sister is with their mum; yet also could be referencing divorce and the split of who the child favours. The lyric also details their determination and retribution, becoming the character that their abuser would hate, almost as an antagonist, yet embracing their confidence. Portraying the vicious cycle of addiction, gambling now appears. It could be said that life is like a card game, we find our King or Queen, perhaps even a joker, or if we’re fortunate by our own hands as much as we are gifted by fate, then the Aces fall in line.

The song is closed off by repeating the chorus “My aces are high” and cutting it short to finish. the last line early.

“Aces are High” was released 31st January 2025 and is available to download and stream from your usual music platforms.