What are the concepts portrayed in the song "Hotel California", and what do metaphors do to help describe them?

With 'Hotel California', there are constant phrases which sound good in the song, but do not strike an instant meaning in your mind. This is due to the use of metaphors. As it turns out, many of these phrases have links to drugs, drug addiction, the cons of California and the modern hotel industry. In the beginning of the song, drugs are evident, with use of metaphors like "cool wind in my hair" to idolise the happiness and carefreeness that drugs often provide. "Warm smell of colitas" has a complicated origin but in fact, refers to the tip of the marijuana branch, which is rich in sap. When he gets to 'Hotel California' the narrator says "This could be heaven or this could be hell", which I believe is the start of his addiction, and he is asking himself where it might lead him. He could also be making a gamble on staying at the hotel, since he doesn't know what level of quality it may offer. 'Welcome to the Hotel California' is a welcoming to either the hotel (if being a realist), or to drug addiction (if interpreting the metaphors). 'Anytime of year' refers to how drugs are always constant, and if you ever need a sanctuary , drugs will provide it. The second verse of the song refers to an old woman, who is (or was) bound to a life of luxury, as 'Tiffany-twisted' refers to Tiffany&Co. 'Voices are calling from far away' means that when he tries to stray away from drugs, the people at the hotel call him back to addiction. 'Bring your alibis', 'mirrors on the ceiling' and 'prisoners here of our own device' all refer to the dark sides of California, Hollywood and the rock and roll industry. They relate to how you must be careful in the Music business, its a dog eat dog world, and you mustn't fall into depression, drug addiction or self-destruction. I think that 'they stab it with their steely knives' describes how they try to break away and kill the drug addict inside themselves. 'You can check-out anytime you like, but you can never leave!' sums up the song by saying you can try, but once you have started an addiction, it is near impossible to stop. Overall, the song provides strong moral lessons in drug addiction and the rock and roll industry, relying heavily on metaphors to support the concepts literally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0G1Ucw5HDg