Meaning of "The King Of Hearts" by Procol Harum

The lyrics of "The King Of Hearts" by Procol Harum explore themes of risk, love, and loss. The man's encounter with the woman dressed in black can be seen as a metaphor for taking chances in love and relationships. He puts his heart on the line, represented by being the King of Hearts, only to have it broken when the woman reveals the Ace of Spades, symbolizing betrayal or unexpected loss. The reference to playing cards and gambling alludes to the uncertainty and unpredictability of love, where even when we think we have the advantage, we can still end up hurt. The shift from being the King of Hearts to the King of the Broken-hearted highlights the vulnerability and pain that can come from putting ourselves out there and opening up to others, only to have our hearts shattered in the end.