Analyzing the Lyrics of Hotel California through Structuralism: Saussure and Lévi-Strauss in Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the lyrics of Hotel California through the lens of Structuralism, particularly using the theories of Ferdinand de Saussure and Claude Lévi-Strauss. Despite being a widespread phenomenon across all human cultures, music frequently exists in most communities, likely due to its adaptive nature in strengthening social bonds and interpersonal connections. Many songs incorporate poetic language to enrich not only the lyrics but also other musical elements. One song by Eagles, entitled Hotel California, is widely recognized for its rich imagery and layered narrative. Employing a qualitative approach, the study explores Saussure’s semiotic model of the signifier and signified, along with Lévi-Strauss’s concepts of binary oppositions and myth structures. In conclusion, the research seeks to uncover the hidden structures within the lyrics that resonate with broader cultural myths and linguistic systems. Moreover, this research contributes to the interdisciplinary dialogue between music, literature, and structuralist theory, offering a deeper understanding of how meaning is constructed in poetic and lyrical texts.