Hotel California

Eagles

About Hotel California

"Hotel California" is the title track from the Eagles' album of the same name and was released as a single in February 1977. Writing credits for the song are shared by Don Felder (music), Don Henley, and Glenn Frey (lyrics). The Eagles' original recording of the song features Henley singing the lead vocals and concludes with an extended section of electric guitar interplay between Felder and Joe Walsh. The song is considered the most famous recording by the band, and its long guitar coda has been voted the best guitar solo of all time by readers of Guitarist in 1998. The song was awarded the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978. The lyrics of the song have been given various interpretations by fans and critics alike, the Eagles themselves describing the song as their "interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles". In the 2013 documentary History of the Eagles, Henley said that the song was about "a journey from innocence to experience... that's all..."Since its release, "Hotel California" has been covered by a number of artists and has become a part of international popular culture. Julia Phillips proposed adapting the song into a film, but the members of the Eagles disliked the idea and it never came to fruition. Commercially, "Hotel California" reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten of several international charts. 


Year:
1976
14,242 
#34

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Eagles

The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. more »

39 fans


12 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Hotel California" is a song by American rock band Eagles. It was released in February 1977 as the title track from their album "Hotel California".
Song Structure
The song is known for its lengthy composition, lasting six and a half minutes, consisting of several individual pieces including a melodic introduction, verses, choruses, and an iconic guitar solo.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of "Hotel California" have been interpreted in various ways over the years. Some believe it is about materialism and excess, others see it as a commentary on the self-destructive nature of the American dream.
Awards and Recognitions
"Hotel California" won the 1977 Grammy Award for Record of the Year and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
Performance Success
Since its release, the song has peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has since become one of the Eagles' signature songs.
Significance of Guitar Solo
The song's closing guitar solo is often considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. It was a duet performed by Eagles' members Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
Conspiracy Theories
Some conspiracy theories have arisen over time about the song, with suggestions that it contains satanic messages when played backwards. However, the band has consistently denied this.
Songwriters
"Hotel California" was written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. Felder composed the music while Henley and Frey wrote most of the lyrics.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists throughout the years in various genres, demonstrating its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Inspiration for the Song
The inspiration for "Hotel California" was a drive Don Felder took in the Mojave Desert, which reminded him of a picture postcard.
Record Sales
"Hotel California" became one of the best-selling singles of the Eagles, and it has sold over 16 million copies worldwide to date.
Running Time
The original studio version of the song runs for 6 minutes and 30 seconds, making it one of the longer radio hits in history.

Discuss the Hotel California Lyrics with the community:

5 Comments
  • meganj.98255
    Disregard my previous comment - I outsmarted myself! Ha
    LikeReply1 year ago
  • Shari Johnson
    Shari Johnson
    weve come to far to end is really something we have to think of weve been here so long
    LikeReply6 years ago
  • Shari Johnson
    Shari Johnson
    chris motez the song call me i heard .your silly
    LikeReply6 years ago
  • Shari Johnson
    Shari Johnson
    we have to say goodbye
    LikeReply6 years ago
  • Shari Johnson
    Shari Johnson
    i just heard wouldnt it be nice. but we are apart.
    LikeReply6 years ago

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"Hotel California Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/664172/Eagles/Hotel+California>.

Missing lyrics by Eagles?

Know any other songs by Eagles? Don't keep it to yourself!

Watch the song video

Hotel California

427.2M
1.4M     82,210

Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

Billboard #1


Browse Lyrics.com

Quiz

Are you a music master?

»
Eminem: "All you other Slim Shadys, are just _______".
A impossible
B imitating
C incorrect
D impersonating

Free, no signup required:

Add to Chrome

Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

Free, no signup required:

Add to Firefox

Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

Don't miss Eagles's

Upcoming Events

»
Eagles tracks

On Radio Right Now

Loading...

Powered by OnRad.io


Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

Movies soundtrack

Hotel California

»