Hotel California - More than just a place
We discussed about how the idea of a Hotel California could refer to more than an actual physical hotel, or even any sort of place. So we came up with a list of metaphors Hotel California could possibly be alluding to:
- Alcohol/ drug addiction
This one was one of the first things to came to mind, especially when referring back to the lyrics of the song (you can check out any time you like/ but you can never leave), possibly referring to hard it is to kick the habit.
- Mind
We came up with a theory that Hotel California could simply be an allegory for the workings of the mind. Be it mental illness, or simply thinking so constantly and obsessively that you are unable to leave the inner workings of your own mind.
- Jail
Again playing on the last line of the song, but also with the idea of repetition in the song. The idea of these people trapped in the hotel going over the same motions over and over again has the image of the prisoners doing about their routine. Also, the lyric that says "stabbed it with their steely knives/ but they just can't kill the beast" somehow brings to mind a prison brawl.
- Relationship/ divorce
We also thought this song could be about the aftermath of a relationship.
- Cosmetic surgery
Then she lit up the candle/ and she showed me the way - the nurse
Stabbed it with their steely knives - scalpels or syringes
Just can't kill the beast - the patient's own insecurities about their appearance
Mirrors on the ceiling - was thinking it could be one of those warped mirrors from the circus that makes you look fat
Pink champagne on ice - a blood bag?
We are all just prisoners here/ Of our own device - The patients choose to inflict this on themselves
The Chorus
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year
You can find it here
Such a lovely face - the image of a face inked with the pre-cosmetic surgery markings
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