About the song
In the realm of classic rock anthems, the Eagles’ King of Hollywood stands as a timeless masterpiece, weaving a captivating narrative of ambition, disillusionment, and the relentless pursuit of stardom. Released in 1979 as part of their critically acclaimed album The Long Run, this song has become an enduring favorite, resonating with listeners through its poignant lyrics and infectious melody.
King of Hollywood paints a vivid picture of an aspiring starlet, brimming with dreams of grandeur and success in the dazzling world of Tinseltown. The opening lines, “Well, he sits up there on his leatherette, Looks through pictures of the ones that he hasn’t had yet,” immediately establish the protagonist’s position of longing and aspiration. He is surrounded by images of stardom, yet remains separated from it by a glass wall.
The song’s chorus serves as a powerful declaration of ambition, with the protagonist boldly proclaiming, “I’m gonna be the king of Hollywood.” This line echoes through the song, capturing the relentless drive and determination that fuel the pursuit of fame. However, this pursuit is not without its sacrifices and disillusionments.
As the song progresses, the protagonist’s initial optimism gives way to a sense of disillusionment. He realizes that the path to stardom is paved with challenges and compromises, and the sacrifices required may outweigh the rewards. The lyrics, “Are you willing to sacrifice? And are you willing to be real nice?” serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
Despite these challenges, the protagonist’s determination remains unwavering. He is willing to pay the price for his dreams, even if it means sacrificing his authenticity and personal relationships. The line, “Come sit down here beside me, honey, Let’s have a little heart to heart,” highlights his willingness to manipulate and charm in order to achieve his goals.
The song’s bridge offers a moment of reflection, as the protagonist contemplates the true nature of success and happiness. The lyrics, “Now look at me and tell me, darling, How badly do you want this part?” challenge the listener to consider the motivations behind the pursuit of fame and the potential costs involved.
King of Hollywood concludes with a sense of bittersweet acceptance. The protagonist has achieved his dream of stardom, but the journey has taken its toll. He is now the King of Hollywood, but the sacrifices and compromises made along the way leave him questioning the true value of his success.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the pursuit of dreams. It is a cautionary tale for those who aspire to stardom, but also an anthem for those who dare to chase their dreams, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. With its poignant lyrics, infectious melody, and timeless message, King of Hollywood remains a cornerstone of the Eagles’ legacy and a classic rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
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Lyrics
Well, he sits up there on his leatherette
Looks through pictures of the ones that he hasn’t had yet
When he thinks he wants a closer look,
he gets out his little black telephone book
(He’s calling, calling, calling
He’s calling, calling, calling
He’s calling ,calling, calling
He’s calling)
“Come sit down here beside me, honey.
Let’s have a little heart to heart.
Now look at me and tell me, darlin’,
how badly do you want this part?
Are you willing to sacrifice?
And are you willing to be real nice?
All your talent and my good taste,
I’d hate to see it go to waste.”
“We gon’ get you an apartment, honey.
We gon’ get you a car.
(spoken) Yeah, we’re gonna take care of you, darlin’.
We gon’ make you a movie star.
For years I’ve seen ’em come and go.”
He says, “I’ve had ’em all, ‘ya know.
I handled everything in my own way.
I made ’em what they are today.”
After ‘while nothin’ was pretty.
After ‘while everything got lost.
Still, his Jacuzzi runneth over.
Still he just couldn’t get off.
He’s just another power junky.
Just another silk scarf monkey.
You’d know it if you saw his stuff.
The man just isn’t big enough.