About The Song
“Hotel California” is one of the most iconic songs by the American rock band Eagles. It was released in 1977 as the title track of their album “Hotel California.” The song was written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, who were members of the Eagles at the time.
There were many speculations about the true meaning of the song. But, indeed, it was considered and documented as the “House of Evil” or “Life In Vegas.” It is merely because the words and lyrics interpret deeds that are beyond society’s culture and beliefs.
Furthermore, Don Henley and Glenn Frey pooled resources for the words and lyrics of “Hotel California.” Meanwhile, Don Felder arranged the music and technicality of the song. The song became the most famous one of the band to record in the entire course of their career.
“Hotel California” won a Grammy as “Record of the Year” in 1978. Due to its strong lyrics, it has given many interpretations. The Eagles, themselves, describes the song as a high life in Los Angeles. Also, Henley, the writer, interpreted the lyrics as the journey of innocence to experience.
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Lyric
On a dark desert highwayCool wind in my hairWarm smell of colitasRising up through the airUp ahead in the distanceI saw a shimmering lightMy head grew heavy and my sight grew dimI had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorwayI heard the mission bellAnd I was thinking to myself“This could be Heaven or this could be Hell”Then she lit up a candleAnd she showed me the wayThere were voices down the corridorI thought I heard them sayWelcome to the Hotel CaliforniaSuch a lovely place (such a lovely place)Such a lovely facePlenty of room at the Hotel CaliforniaAny time of year (any time of year)You can find it here
Her mind is Tiffany-twistedShe got the Mercedes BenzShe got a lot of pretty, pretty boysThat she calls friendsHow they dance in the courtyardSweet summer sweatSome dance to rememberSome dance to forget
So I called up the Captain“Please bring me my wine”He said, ‘We haven’t had that spirit hereSince 1969″And still those voices are calling from far awayWake you up in the middle of the nightJust to hear them sayWelcome to the Hotel CaliforniaSuch a lovely place (such a lovely place)Such a lovely faceThey livin’ it up at the Hotel CaliforniaWhat a nice surprise (what a nice surprise)Bring your alibis
Mirrors on the ceilingThe pink champagne on iceAnd she said, ‘We are all just prisoners hereOf our own device”And in the master’s chambersThey gathered for the feastThey stab it with their steely knivesBut they just can’t kill the beast
Last thing I remember, I wasRunning for the doorI had to find the passage backTo the place I was before“Relax, ” said the night man“We are programmed to receiveYou can check out any time you likeBut you can never leave”