Ace in the Hole

Album: Beyond the Blue Neon (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Dennis Adkins penned song was recorded by George Strait for his album Beyond the Blue Neon. It was released in July 1989 as the third single from the LP and became his 18th #1 Country single - his 11th chart-topper in a row.
  • The song is about how you have to keep a few tricks up your sleeve in order to get ahead in life. The title is a term meaning a secret or powerful advantage. According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable, the reference is to the game of stud poker, in which an ace, being the most valuable card, is turned face down on the table and is not revealed. Only the player who holds it knows of his secret power. The hole is simply a place of concealment.
  • George's touring band is called "The Ace in the Hole Band." He was the band's lead singer before beginning his solo career in the early 1980s.

Comments: 1

  • Myra Beth Eady from Ftmyers Flgeorge is a good singer
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.