There are very few songs that I would refer to as “timeless classics,” but “Hotel California” by The Eagles is a well-written song that will continue to inspire many generations. Whether you are a classic rock fan or not, you must agree that as one of the most famous songs from the ’70s (with a killer guitar solo by Don Felder), the song appears to highlight the beauty of chasing sunsets in Los Angeles. While this seems to be the case, the actual theme of the song calls attention to the risks and addictions that the music industry hides behind its facade. The song features a multitude of different literary devices, which are used to subtly hint at the dangers of the allure of the music business and Hollywood.
After the immediately recognizable intro riff, we are thrown directly into the setting of a “dark desert highway.” Here, through the “darkness,” we are already given the negative connotation of death and imminent peril. As our protagonist drives away from the darkness, he approaches a “shimmering light.” This “light” that he sees can be analyzed as something that gives life and provides a safe haven for our protagonist. Thus, the first stanza possibly juxtaposes metaphorical life and death. As we will see later on, this light is the “Hotel California,” representing the seemingly endless opportunities of the deceptive and treacherous music business. This light he sees is ironic as it leads to our protagonist’s ultimate downfall. The tone that is set by the first few lines of the song gives the symbolic image of infertility -- possibly of the protagonist’s career and job options -- and he wants to find peace and eliminate the pain.
When our protagonist finally arrives at “Hotel California,” he “[hears] the mission bell.” The mission bell is likely a symbol related to religion and the gods above. According to Genius, this sound can serve as a warning sign from God or a call to action to perhaps avoid the figurative hotel at all costs, as it can possibly bring unspeakable pains and suffering. Unfortunately, our protagonist ignores this word of warning and decides to enter the “hotel.” As he wanders the labyrinth that is the hallways, he “[hears] voices down the corridor.” I believe that this is an allusion to Greek Mythology, specifically the Sirens. Sirens are creatures who would lure sailors dangerously close to shorelines with their enchanting voices and singing. They would be the main culprit for multiple shipwrecks. Thus, these voices that he is hearing may be the protagonist’s deepest desires and wants. These wants could include money, fame, and all that comes along with hitting it big in the music industry; however, he will eventually recognize the dangers that come along with the Faustian Bargain that is working in music.
While our protagonist listens to the “voices down the corridor,” they sing out, “such a lovely place, such a lovely face.” This quote is a direct demonstration of parallel structure, which emphasizes irony. These lyrics are ironic because, on the surface, the music industry seems tempting with all the money, fame, women, and sex it promises. The reality, however, is much different, as unspoken drugs and dangerous temptations can lead to the downfall of even the most brilliant stars such as Kurt Kobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Mac Miller, Prince, Michael Jackson, Juice Wrld, Pop Smoke, and on and on.
As the protagonist spends more time at the hotel, he encounters a girl who may act as the figurative temptress. As she dances through the day and night, her being reminds the protagonist of “sweet summer sweat.” These lyrics demonstrate alliteration and are used to again stress against the enticements that are in the music industry: sex, drugs, and money. These lures will only drag one deeper into the rabbit hole that they have already begun falling through. In a sense, the music industry can be juxtaposed to a mousetrap. The bait laid on the trap represents money, fame, and respect. When a doomed soul falls for the initial trap, it will be impossible for him or her to get out. While on the topic of dancing, the protagonist realizes that everyone who is dancing is either “[dancing] to remember, [or dancing] to forget.” This antithesis highlights the idea that many famous singers will want to remember their youth and life before fame. These people might want to take this course of action before all their popularity turns life into a fast-moving blur, and they want to take a break and reclaim their old life. On the other hand, some may dance to forget all their pain and loneliness that comes with fame -- an enduring theme in movies like Bohemian Rhapsody and others. It may seem as if being famous makes all of one’s problems go away, but many times it only worsens their existing issues, such as drug addiction and mental health problems.
As the lyrics come to an end, we finish on one of the most memorable lines of the song: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” This line uses irony to accentuate how the music industry is essentially an addiction. An addict can always choose to say that they are going to “quit” and announce that they are over their previous drugs; however, many will eventually come back to their addictions due to withdrawals, need for euphoria, or because of other problems. The Eagles are attempting to say that no matter how hard you may try to leave the music industry, you will always end up coming back because of a shortage of money, peer pressure, and other issues just like in drug and alcohol addictions.
The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a prominent classic rock song from the ‘70’s illustrating all the pitfalls of Hollywood. The well-composed guitar solo, combined with the rocking voices of the singers, gives the appearance of a paradise-esque resort where all can stay in complete bliss. Upon more in-depth examination, it turns out to be a hidden metaphor warning future aspiring singers and fame-chasers to stop their pursuit and to stay well away from the music industry. For all we know, what lies beneath may either fill their lives with riches or -- more likely -- send them “running for the door.” Well, from what I have taken away, I have this last message: Which path are you more willing to take?
After the immediately recognizable intro riff, we are thrown directly into the setting of a “dark desert highway.” Here, through the “darkness,” we are already given the negative connotation of death and imminent peril. As our protagonist drives away from the darkness, he approaches a “shimmering light.” This “light” that he sees can be analyzed as something that gives life and provides a safe haven for our protagonist. Thus, the first stanza possibly juxtaposes metaphorical life and death. As we will see later on, this light is the “Hotel California,” representing the seemingly endless opportunities of the deceptive and treacherous music business. This light he sees is ironic as it leads to our protagonist’s ultimate downfall. The tone that is set by the first few lines of the song gives the symbolic image of infertility -- possibly of the protagonist’s career and job options -- and he wants to find peace and eliminate the pain.
When our protagonist finally arrives at “Hotel California,” he “[hears] the mission bell.” The mission bell is likely a symbol related to religion and the gods above. According to Genius, this sound can serve as a warning sign from God or a call to action to perhaps avoid the figurative hotel at all costs, as it can possibly bring unspeakable pains and suffering. Unfortunately, our protagonist ignores this word of warning and decides to enter the “hotel.” As he wanders the labyrinth that is the hallways, he “[hears] voices down the corridor.” I believe that this is an allusion to Greek Mythology, specifically the Sirens. Sirens are creatures who would lure sailors dangerously close to shorelines with their enchanting voices and singing. They would be the main culprit for multiple shipwrecks. Thus, these voices that he is hearing may be the protagonist’s deepest desires and wants. These wants could include money, fame, and all that comes along with hitting it big in the music industry; however, he will eventually recognize the dangers that come along with the Faustian Bargain that is working in music.
While our protagonist listens to the “voices down the corridor,” they sing out, “such a lovely place, such a lovely face.” This quote is a direct demonstration of parallel structure, which emphasizes irony. These lyrics are ironic because, on the surface, the music industry seems tempting with all the money, fame, women, and sex it promises. The reality, however, is much different, as unspoken drugs and dangerous temptations can lead to the downfall of even the most brilliant stars such as Kurt Kobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Mac Miller, Prince, Michael Jackson, Juice Wrld, Pop Smoke, and on and on.
As the protagonist spends more time at the hotel, he encounters a girl who may act as the figurative temptress. As she dances through the day and night, her being reminds the protagonist of “sweet summer sweat.” These lyrics demonstrate alliteration and are used to again stress against the enticements that are in the music industry: sex, drugs, and money. These lures will only drag one deeper into the rabbit hole that they have already begun falling through. In a sense, the music industry can be juxtaposed to a mousetrap. The bait laid on the trap represents money, fame, and respect. When a doomed soul falls for the initial trap, it will be impossible for him or her to get out. While on the topic of dancing, the protagonist realizes that everyone who is dancing is either “[dancing] to remember, [or dancing] to forget.” This antithesis highlights the idea that many famous singers will want to remember their youth and life before fame. These people might want to take this course of action before all their popularity turns life into a fast-moving blur, and they want to take a break and reclaim their old life. On the other hand, some may dance to forget all their pain and loneliness that comes with fame -- an enduring theme in movies like Bohemian Rhapsody and others. It may seem as if being famous makes all of one’s problems go away, but many times it only worsens their existing issues, such as drug addiction and mental health problems.
As the lyrics come to an end, we finish on one of the most memorable lines of the song: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” This line uses irony to accentuate how the music industry is essentially an addiction. An addict can always choose to say that they are going to “quit” and announce that they are over their previous drugs; however, many will eventually come back to their addictions due to withdrawals, need for euphoria, or because of other problems. The Eagles are attempting to say that no matter how hard you may try to leave the music industry, you will always end up coming back because of a shortage of money, peer pressure, and other issues just like in drug and alcohol addictions.
The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a prominent classic rock song from the ‘70’s illustrating all the pitfalls of Hollywood. The well-composed guitar solo, combined with the rocking voices of the singers, gives the appearance of a paradise-esque resort where all can stay in complete bliss. Upon more in-depth examination, it turns out to be a hidden metaphor warning future aspiring singers and fame-chasers to stop their pursuit and to stay well away from the music industry. For all we know, what lies beneath may either fill their lives with riches or -- more likely -- send them “running for the door.” Well, from what I have taken away, I have this last message: Which path are you more willing to take?