"Old Lucky Diamond Motel" by Vince Gill is a country song that reminisces about a once-thriving motel on Route 66. The song describes the motel's location near Ted's Escondido, east of El Reno, and portrays the bustling atmosphere of the past. The lyrics mention a couple of waitresses, Lucille and Madonna, who serve cheese enchiladas and smoke Pall Malls. The old men in the motel are portrayed as pool players who curse and behave foolishly. The chorus emphasizes the motel's reputation as the queen of the famous Route 66, highlighting amenities like color TV and free meals for kids. The verses reveal the diverse clientele of the Lucky Diamond Motel. It attracts truckers, travelers in airstreams, and couples engaged in extramarital affairs. The motel also welcomes rowdy teenagers, cowboys, and shriners, representing different demographics. The song takes a turn as the narrator reminisces about his personal experiences at the motel. In Room 23, he had his first encounter with a stripper named Rita Cantrell, spending all his money on her. This story emphasizes the adventurous and sometimes reckless nature of the motel's clientele. However, the song's tone changes when it reveals that Rita has passed away, and the iconic neon sign of the motel is gone. A wrecking ball demolished a part of the motel, symbolizing progress but also reflecting the loss of an iconic piece of Americana. The narrator laments the loss, expressing his nostalgia for the old Lucky Diamond Motel. In summary, "Old Lucky Diamond Motel" is a nostalgic song about a once-vibrant motel on Route 66 and its diverse cast of characters. It reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with progress while expressing a longing for the lost charm of the past.
