Saturday 9: Hotel California

Saturday 9: Hotel California (1977)

. . . Because Country Dew (that's me!) suggested it. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Composer Don Henley says this song is about the "journey from innocence to experience." Where do find yourself on that journey? Are you more innocent, or experienced?

A. Since I am more than 1/2 a century old, I would lean toward experience; however, I tend to want to think the best of people, and believe in goodness and kindness, which I fear is an innocence that means I am always overly sensitive and constantly patching my heart.

2) The lyrics refers to the "warm smell of colitas." Do you know what it is that the Eagles noticed in the air?

A. I always hoped it was flowers and not a bout of colitis. :-) After a bit of searching on the 'net, though, I believe it to be the smell of marijuana.

3) The girl in the song had her head turned by luxury, including jewelry from Tiffany's and Mercedes Benz autos. Do you consider yourself materialistic?

A. I try very hard not to be. I don't own a lot of jewelry, and nothing expensive. I don't buy expensive cars (I have a Camry). That said, I do like to be comfortable. I want my house clean and if not expensively furnished, then comfortably so. I like a warm bed, and air conditioning. I think I am more into comfort than materialism, but I suspect that is a fine line.

4) This recording has been lauded by music publications for for its long guitar solo. Are you good on the guitar?

A. I used to be, though I never played the solo on this song. I have and can still play the singing part (lots of minor chords in it) but I have always been a rhythm guitarist. I've never wanted to make her cry or sing.

5) There's an error in the lyrics and Don Henley can get a bit testy when interviewers bring it to his attention. Here's the lyric: "So I called up the captain and said, 'Please bring me your wine.' He said, 'We haven't had that spirit here since 1969.'" Do you know what's wrong with it?

A. I think wine is not a "spirit" in the world of alcohol. But this song is so weird that I have always thought of "ghost" when I hear that line, and interpreted it as, "Sorry, pal, the ghost that used to serve the wine left us in 1969."

6) Known as the Eagles' drummer, Henley now spends less time at his drum kit. Sitting at that angle for an extended period of time hurts his back. Sam believes this proves all those warnings she heard from her parents about good posture are true. Do you pay attention to your posture?

A. I did not and now try to but fear it is too late. I am paying for it in spades. In my defense, it was not something my mother frequently mentioned or emphasized.

7) Joe Walsh is considered the wild man of the Eagles. Think of your circle of friends. Who is the most unpredictable?

A. I suspect it is . . . me.

8) In 1977, Star Wars premiered. How many Star Wars movies have you seen?

A. I have seen them all. The wonderful first three originals and the not-so-wonderful prequels, and the most recent one, which was acceptable.

9) Random question: "nosocomephobia" is the fear of hospitals. Are you nosocomephobic?

A. I think I am now. I have always had a problem with the elevator at the hospital (I once got off on a high floor and passed out on the tile on the way to visit a friend), but since my last adventure with surgery, I think a hospital is the last place I have any desire to be.

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