Eagles – Hotel California

About the song

Hotel California: A Classic Rock Anthem

“Hotel California” is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of the classic rock era. Released in 1976 as the title track of the Eagles’ fifth album, the song quickly became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining there for seven weeks. It has since been certified 26× platinum by the RIAA, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.

The song’s enduring popularity is due in part to its enigmatic lyrics, which have been interpreted in many different ways. Some believe the song is a metaphor for the American Dream, while others see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and hedonism. Still others believe it is a literal description of a haunted hotel.

Whatever the meaning of the lyrics, there is no doubt that “Hotel California” is a powerful and evocative song. The song’s opening riff, played by Don Felder, is instantly recognizable, and Glenn Frey’s vocals are both smooth and soulful. The song’s instrumental outro, featuring a guitar duel between Felder and Joe Walsh, is considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.

“Hotel California” has been covered by many artists, but the Eagles’ version remains the definitive one. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it continues to be a staple of classic rock radio. It is a true classic of the genre, and it is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Key takeaways:

• “Hotel California” is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of the classic rock era.
• The song was released in 1976 as the title track of the Eagles’ fifth album.
• It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since been certified 26× platinum by the RIAA.
• The song’s enigmatic lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways.
• “Hotel California” is a powerful and evocative song with an instantly recognizable opening riff.
• The song’s instrumental outro features a guitar duel between Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
• “Hotel California” has been covered by many artists, but the Eagles’ version remains the definitive one.
• The song is a true classic of the classic rock genre.

Additional information:

• Genre: Classic rock
• Length: 6:30
• Written by: Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey
• Album: Hotel California (1976)
• Personnel:
  • Glenn Frey: vocals, guitar
  • Don Henley: vocals, drums
  • Don Felder: guitar
  • Bernie Leadon: guitar, vocals
  • Randy Meisner: bass guitar, vocals
  • Joe Walsh: guitar, vocals

Interesting facts:

• The song was inspired by a real hotel, the Hotel California, which is located in Todos Santos, Mexico.
• The song’s lyrics have been the subject of much speculation and interpretation. Some believe the song is about the dangers of drug addiction, while others believe it is a metaphor for the dark side of the American Dream.
• The song’s iconic opening riff was created by Don Felder. He was inspired by the sound of a carillon, which is a set of bells that are played like a keyboard.
• The song’s instrumental outro features a guitar duel between Don Felder and Joe Walsh. It is considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.
• “Hotel California” has been used in numerous films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski,” “The Sopranos,” and “Miami Vice.”
• The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

Video

Lyrics

“Hotel California”

 

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 thinking 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 bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys 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 nineteen sixty nine.”
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 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!”