Hotel California

Eagles, Dark One Lite

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:
2005
3:56
163 
#4

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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, 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 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!

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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 »

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Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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.

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    Hotel California

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #1


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