The “Take it to the limit” lyric refers to living life to it’s fullest (e.g. knowing what is important and aiming towards that limit). And the other lyrics describe not doing that. The lyrics are a little confusing because of their different use of the word “you/you’re” in the line “would you still be mine” vs. its use in the next stanza that starts “And when you’re looking for your freedom”. The line “will you still be mine”, he’s actually talking to a significant other. In the next stanza, it is a generic “you”. Like when one says “you know when you close you’re eyes, it gets dark.”… Meaning – when anyone closes their eyes. So when he says “And when you’re looking for your freedom” – he’s talking about himself, and others in the same situation; and those who keep doing it don’t seem to better their situation – as they keep "coming back for more.”
Heck – you could interpret this song as the author trying to find God – “nothing to believe in … [so] show me a sign [so I can] take it to the limit (live life to its fullest, perhaps with God).” But I don’t think it is specifically talking about God. It’s talking about finding what’s important (be it God, true love, meaningful work, or whatever). I could picture a charismatic preacher doing a sermon using this song as a basis.
Of course we all know what happened when he finally did get on that highway and was shown the sign. As I recall, it was a dark desert highway… and the sign said “Hotel California.” Last I heard, even though he keeps checking out, they won’t let him leave. Must have chosen the wrong road.
The “Take it to the limit” lyric refers to living life to it’s fullest (e.g. knowing what is important and aiming towards that limit). And the other lyrics describe not doing that. The lyrics are a little confusing because of their different use of the word “you/you’re” in the line “would you still be mine” vs. its use in the next stanza that starts “And when you’re looking for your freedom”. The line “will you still be mine”, he’s actually talking to a significant other. In the next stanza, it is a generic “you”. Like when one says “you know when you close you’re eyes, it gets dark.”… Meaning – when anyone closes their eyes. So when he says “And when you’re looking for your freedom” – he’s talking about himself, and others in the same situation; and those who keep doing it don’t seem to better their situation – as they keep "coming back for more.”
Heck – you could interpret this song as the author trying to find God – “nothing to believe in … [so] show me a sign [so I can] take it to the limit (live life to its fullest, perhaps with God).” But I don’t think it is specifically talking about God. It’s talking about finding what’s important (be it God, true love, meaningful work, or whatever). I could picture a charismatic preacher doing a sermon using this song as a basis.
Of course we all know what happened when he finally did get on that highway and was shown the sign. As I recall, it was a dark desert highway… and the sign said “Hotel California.” Last I heard, even though he keeps checking out, they won’t let him leave. Must have chosen the wrong road.