As one of the all-time classics of guitar-oriented music, the Eagles’ “Hotel California” comes as the title track of the band’s 1977 fifth full-length studio effort. It was released as a single back in February same year, acquiring a status of an instant classic.
The song was written by Don Felder – who handled the music – as well as Don Henley and late Glenn Frey who were in charge of the lyrics department. Originally, the early recording of the song has Henley singing the lead vocals and it ends with an extended section of electric guitar interplay between Felder and Joe Walsh.
“Hotel California” is universally hailed as the most renowned recording of the Eagles. Additionally, the tune’s extended guitar coda is considered by many as the best guitar solo of all time. In 1978, it won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The song’s lyrics have numerous interpretations by both critics and fans, including the infamous version that connects the track to Satanist church. The Eagles described the lyrics of “Hotel California” as their “interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfhf1Gv4Tw
You can find fully illustrated guitar chords here.
Lyrics and chords:
[Verse 1]
Bm F#
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
A E
Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
G D
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
Em
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
F#
I had to stop for the night
Bm F#
There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell
A E
And I was thinking to myself this could be heaven or this could be hell
G D
Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way
Em F#
There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say
[Chorus]
G D
Welcome to the Hotel California.
F#7 Bm
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face
G D
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Em F#
Any time of year (any time of year) you can find it here
[Verse 2]
Bm F#
Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes bends
A E
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends
G D
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Em F#
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
Bm F#
So I called up the Captain, ‘Please bring me my wine’
A E
He said, ‘We haven’t had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine’
G D
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Em
Wake you up in the middle of the night
F#
Just to hear them say…
[Chorus]
G D
Welcome to the Hotel California
F#7 Bm
Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place), Such a lovely face
G D
They livin’ it up at the Hotel California
Em F#
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise), Bring your alibis
[Verse 3]
Bm F#
Mirrors on the ceiling, The pink champagne on ice
A E
And she said ‘We are all just prisoners here, of our own device’
G D
And in the master’s chambers, They gathered for the feast
Em
They stab it with their steely knives,
F#
But they just can’t kill the beast
Bm F#
Last thing I remember, I was running for the door
A E
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
G D
‘Relax,’ said the night man, ‘We are programmed to receive.
Em
You can check-out any time you like,
F#
But you can never leave!
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