Download Article
Is it really about Satanism? (Hint: probably not.)
Download Article
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. You might be familiar with this cryptic lyric from “Hotel California,” but what does it mean? We took a deep dive into the classic Eagles song, including its origins, its haunting lyrics, and its many different possible interpretations (from the logical to the more outlandish). Keep reading for the scoop.
“Hotel California” at a Glance
The meaning of the Eagles’ 1976 hit “Hotel California” is ambiguous, but it’s thought to be a commentary on greed and hedonism in the music industry and the disillusionment with the American dream. Some listeners also theorize it’s a reference to drugs, a mental institution, or even Satanism.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/g9bMFUadjuA?si=GlCGE7Wj-pQ5uoFM&t=735
- ↑ https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/the-eagles-hotel-california-10-things-you-didnt-know-111526/
- ↑ https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/the-eagles-hotel-california-10-things-you-didnt-know-111526/
- ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194326/
- ↑ https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/joe-walsh-tells-recovery-story-facing-addiction-ncadd-gala-8478944/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/g9bMFUadjuA?si=cJO1AiI0Si41phzp&t=973
- ↑ https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-steely-dan-hotel-california/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35347075
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35347075
- ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/how-to-play-hotel-california-on-guitar
- ↑ https://youtu.be/qDeoCZw_LE0?si=AJYI1KZ004ZeGjOI&t=146
- ↑ https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1977-04-16/
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=k0UEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT61
- ↑ https://www.thefeedbacksociety.com/music/songs-we-hate-hotel-california-by-the-eagles/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20061214111349/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs
- ↑ https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/the-dude-survives-jeff-bridges-on-the-enduring-big-lebowski-187214/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,166 times.
Advertisement