The Eagles – Hotel California

About The Song

“Hotel California” is a classic rock song by the Eagles, released in 1976 as the title track of their fifth studio album. The song is known for its evocative lyrics, intricate guitar work, and a hauntingly atmospheric sound. “Hotel California” has become an iconic representation of the 1970s rock era, blending a memorable melody with a narrative that invites interpretation.

5 Facts about “Hotel California” (1976):

Symbolism in Lyrics: The lyrics of “Hotel California” are often interpreted as an allegory for the excesses of the California lifestyle and the music industry in the 1970s. The hotel in the song is seen as a metaphor for the excesses and pitfalls of fame and hedonism.
Guitar Solo Prowess: The song features a legendary guitar solo played by Joe Walsh and Don Felder. The intricate, dual-guitar harmonies in the solo are a defining element of the track. The guitar work in “Hotel California” is often praised for its technical skill and emotional resonance.
Grammy Awards: “Hotel California” won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978. The Eagles also received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for the “Hotel California” album, further solidifying the song’s critical acclaim and commercial success.
Album Sales and Chart Success: The “Hotel California” album, which includes the titular track, was a massive commercial success. It topped the charts in multiple countries and has been certified as one of the best-selling albums of all time. The song itself reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Cultural Impact: “Hotel California” has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been covered by numerous artists. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued presence on classic rock radio and its frequent use in films, TV shows, and commercials. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and captivating sound contribute to its status as a timeless classic in rock music.

Video

Lyrics

On a dark desert highway
Cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas
Rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance
I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinkin’ to myself
“This could be heaven or this could be hell”
Then she lit up a candle
And she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor
I thought I heard them say

“Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (any time of year)
You can find it here”

Her mind is Tiffany-twisted
She got the Mercedes-Benz, uh
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys
That she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard
Sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember
Some dance to forget

So I called up the Captain
“Please bring me my wine”
He said, “We haven’t had that spirit here
Since 1969″
And still, those voices are calling
From far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say

“Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
They’re livin’ it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise)
Bring your alibis”

Mirrors on the ceiling
The pink champagne on ice
And she said, “We are all just prisoners here
Of our own device”
And in the master’s chambers
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives
But they just can’t kill the beast

Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
“Relax, ” said the night man
“We are programmed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave!”