“Hotel California” is a famous song by the American rock band Eagles. It was released as the title track of their 1976 album “Hotel California.” The song was written by Don Felder, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley and has become one of the band’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Piano Tutorial Video
Music Information & History
Here’s some information and history about the song:
Songwriters: “Hotel California” was written by Don Felder, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley. It’s one of the few Eagles songs where all members of the band received writing credits.
Album: The song is the title track from the Eagles’ fifth studio album, “Hotel California,” which was released in 1976. The album was a massive success and is often regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history.
Musical Style: “Hotel California” is known for its distinctive sound, combining elements of rock, folk, and a touch of the exotic. The song features a memorable dual guitar solo played by Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
Lyrics: The lyrics of “Hotel California” are often interpreted as having a mysterious and allegorical meaning. The song tells the story of a weary traveler who arrives at a luxurious but sinister hotel. It’s often seen as a commentary on the excesses and hedonism of the 1970s music industry in California.
Chart Success: “Hotel California” was a massive commercial success for the Eagles. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for one week. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978.
Legacy: The song has had a lasting impact on popular culture and is frequently covered by other artists. Its haunting melody, memorable guitar solos, and enigmatic lyrics continue to captivate audiences.
Cover Art: The album cover for “Hotel California” is also famous. It features a photograph of the Beverly Hills Hotel with a pink neon sign, which became synonymous with the song.
Live Performances: “Hotel California” has been a staple of the Eagles’ live performances throughout their career. It’s often performed as the closing song of their concerts.
Music Video
Text Version of Chords
[Intro]
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
Bm F# A E
G D Em
F#7
[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#7
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#7
There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them
say...
[Chorus]
G D F#7 Bm
Welcome to the Hotel California, such a lovely place, such a lovely
face.
G D Em
Plenty of room at the Hotel California, any time of year, you can
F#7
find it here.
[Verse 2]
Bm F#
Her mind is Tiffanytwisted, she got the Mercedes bends.
A E
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends.
G D
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.
Em F#7
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 F#7
Wake you up in the middle of the night just to hear them say...
[Chorus]
G D F#7 Bm
Welcome to the Hotel California, such a lovely place, such a lovely
face.
G D Em
They living it up at the Hotel California. What a nice surprise,
F#7
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've gathered for the feast.
Em F#7
They stab it with their steely knives, 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 F#7
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
[Guitar Solo]
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
[Outro]
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
Bm F# A E
G D Em F#7
In the quiet of my room, I sit alone,
With ivory keys and a melody well-known.
Fingers poised upon the piano’s grace,
I’ll play the chords of “Hotel California” with grace.
The ivories respond to each gentle touch,
As I reminisce, lost in music’s clutch.
Mysterious and haunting, the song unfolds,
As the story of that hotel is retold.
Fingers dance on black and white,
In the dimmed room, I find my light.
The chords, they weave a tale so surreal,
Of a place where you can check out but never heal.
A minor and B minor, they intertwine,
As I play the chords, a journey through time.
E minor and F# minor, they come alive,
As I delve deeper into this musical dive.
The piano whispers secrets of the night,
In the “Hotel California,” there’s no respite.
Mirrors on the ceiling, pink champagne on ice,
The chords echo stories, both virtue and vice.
A metaphorical journey through a darkened door,
I play on, and the melody continues to pour.
The piano and I, we become as one,
In the world of “Hotel California,” where mysteries are spun.
So, as I play these chords, I lose myself in the song,
In the haunting ballad, where I truly belong.
In the world of the Eagles’ iconic refrain,
I find solace, joy, and a touch of pain.