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Joni Mitchell – Otis & Marlena Lyrics 14 years ago
Does anyone know what this song means? I really like it, musically, and I think I like the lyrics too.

I think Otis & Marlena are husband and wife, on a vacation at a hotel (the Miami Royal?).

In her ballrooms heads of state--
In her bedrooms rented girls--

"her" refers to the hotel. Even though the song is called Otis & Marlena, I think it's really about the hotel.

The only thing I really don't get is that "while Muslims stick up Washington" line. I'm sure it's significant, and I feel like it must be sarcastic, unless Joni hated Muslims???

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