Is “Hotel California” by the Eagles about devil worship?

Is “Hotel California” really about devil worship?

The answer to the question above is a big NO! Absolutely not. The Eagles’ “Hotel California” has nothing to do with devil worship. This interpretation is interestingly one of the many misconceptions and urban legends surrounding this classic.

It should be noted that the band members have spoken about the song’s real meaning multiple times. They have explained that “Hotel California” is a commentary on the excesses and self-indulgence of the American lifestyle, especially in the Los Angeles music industry during the 1970s.

Don Henley, one of the song’s co-writers is on record saying the lyrics are about “the dark underbelly of the American dream and about excess in America”.

The imagery in the lyrics, while evocative and open to interpretation, serves to paint a picture of a nightmarish, surreal world that reflects the disillusionment and complexities of the era.

But what about the reference to “the beast”? I hear you ask! But this is purely metaphorical. It is definitely not a nod to devil worship. Neither does it have anything to do with the occult.

All in all, I would define “Hotel California” as a song about the trappings of too much fame, excess, and the search for the highly elusive American dream. It has absolutely no relationship with devil worship.