"Rita Ballou" is a song by Vince Gill that tells the story of a mesmerizing and captivating woman named Rita Ballou. The narrator describes how she effortlessly dances to slow country music and impresses everyone with her skills, especially in the cowboy hustle. She also takes pride in her trophy buckles, which she keeps shining. Rita Ballou is portrayed as a wild-eyed and Mexican silvered woman who has a way of tricking men, specifically her cousin Willard, into thinking they have a chance with her. Despite her flirtatious nature, she remains in control and leaves Willard believing that he has won her over. The song hints at Rita's reputation as a barroom fixture and implies that she is a well-known figure in the hill country honky-tonk scene. Every beer joint in town has fallen for her charms and played the fool for her. The lyrics also mention how Rita is a unique blend of tough and soft qualities. She is described as a combination of rawhide, rope, and velvet, reflecting her Texan roots and her charming personality. Rita is viewed as the quintessential cowgirl and is even crowned as the "Queen of the Cowboys." Despite the narrator's observation of Willard's infatuation with Rita, he acknowledges that he himself wishes to be the one under her spell. The song ends by raising a toast to both Willard and Rita, suggesting that the narrator harbors no ill feelings towards them and instead admires Rita's captivating allure. Overall, "Rita Ballou" is a song that celebrates the magnetic charm and enchanting nature of a woman who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she encounters.
