New Insights on California Dream

Nothing has really changed for me in consideration to what "Hotel California" says about the California Dream. I still feel that the lyrics generally refute the idea of the California Dream and serves as a warning to future potential visitors. The only thing that has changed has been my analysis of the song. Earlier I had a very shallow take of the song, but after a deeper analysis, I've noticed many new things within the lyrics. I've noticed that there are many more instances of distortion of reality that applies to how the California Dream itself is distorted. My interpretation of the California Dream hasn't changed, but the support I see evidenced in the song has grown.

Eagles Hotel California Live at 1998 Hall of Fame Induction

Hotel California

The song I'm analyzing for the California Dream essay is "Hotel California" by the Eagles. I think it talks about how California itself is seen as lavish and extravagant, but soon turns into a nightmare. It's inviting and tempting at first, but then turns out to be addicting and self-destructive. The song itself seems to warn and refute the idea of the California Dream and turns into a cautionary tale of California itself.

The California Dream

What is the California Dream? This question was presented to me a couple of days ago in my writing 130 class. It at first elicited in me one of the stereotypical answers of "success, wealth, romance", before I truly started to ponder the question. Why did I come to California? I came from Tennessee to California knowing no one. It was a completely new environment for me and it was a major cultural shock. I think that is one of the reasons many people come to California, for a chance at new beginnings. That chance could also be for a multitude of other reasons, such as success, fame, or wealth. For me, it was a chance to grow and experience new things.