Released: 2017
Old Dominion’s ‘Hotel Key’ is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about a passionate, yet fleeting, romantic encounter. The song’s narrative revolves around a memorable night spent in a hotel room, the key to which becomes a symbol of the memories and emotions tied to that encounter.
Starting off, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a spontaneous and carefree night. The line ‘We were smoking a little from a half an ounce’ is a reference to them smoking marijuana, indicating a relaxed and uninhibited atmosphere. The ‘cheap tequila’ adds to the casual, spontaneous nature of the night.
‘Neither one of us looking for three little words, Unless those three words were, “do not disturb”‘ suggests that both parties were not looking for a serious commitment or to express ‘I love you’, but rather, they were seeking a night of undisturbed passion.
The chorus, ‘She kept the hotel key’, is repeated throughout the song, symbolizing the woman’s desire to hold onto the memory of that night. It’s a small, tangible reminder of their shared experience. ‘And that night we left our hearts on our sleeves and the clothes all over the floor’ is a metaphor for their emotional vulnerability and physical intimacy.
The line ‘We both know we can’t open the door no more’ suggests an understanding that the night was a one-time thing, a moment that can’t be recreated. Despite this, the woman keeps the hotel key, a bittersweet reminder of their shared experience.
The verse ‘She talked about Austin and how she’d get back there someday’ adds a layer of depth to the woman’s character, hinting at her dreams and aspirations. The line ‘Would anyone miss us if we ran away?’ reveals a sense of longing for escape, perhaps from their everyday lives.
The song concludes with the poignant image of the woman leaving a ‘picture in my head’ and a ‘night I can’t forget’, reinforcing the impact of their encounter. The repeated line ‘She kept the hotel key’ underscores the lingering emotions tied to that night.
