Explanation of lyrics:

The “Dark Desert Highway” refers to a craving drug trip that has a disastrous aftermath. The warm smell of Colitas ( burning of marijuana ) makes his head heavy and sight dim.

"I heard the mission bell".  I think this is to let you know it's to do with spiritual things.  like a warning.

"Her mind is Tiffany twisted" Refers to worshiping wealth and material goods. It's actually the first commandment - don't worship other things (other Gods). The devil twisted her mind with the temptations of bright, shiny objects, like he will do.

Her case of the bends is caused by the expensive car, the Mercedes Benz. Basically, her whole worldview is warped by money.

She asks for them to bring her wine. The response, “we haven't had that spirit here since 1969” is referring to the fact that in 1969 it was no longer legal to drink alcohol while you were in a drug rehab program. Prior to that you couldn't do drugs but you were allowed to drink alcohol.

"we are all just prisoners here, of our own device". I beg to differ.  A lot of people trapped were led to it (be it drugs or prostitutes), and did not go themselves, but satan will like to convince you it was your doing.  Granted, they cant force you, but they can lead you to it, and even pressure you.  One of satans favourite lies is "no one can lead you where you cannot already go yourself". Lie.  That is all that he does.  Lead people where they would never have gone if he did not exist.

"Some dance to remember, some dance to forget"  While you are there, it's easier to forget this has happened and just move forward, but some can't help but remember when they were free.

"Last thing I remember, I was, Running for the door, I had to find the passage back, To the place I was before".  Most people when they get a small wiff of what satan can do will try to run back to where they were before satan laid his hands on them.  For most, it is too late, like this song writer.

"We are programmed to receive.  You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave".  That means satan has altered your mind/spirit enough to receive his commands at any time and any place you are.  He is able to control your body in any way he likes, including blocking your breathing.  If he wants he can posses you completely where he is the dominant spirit in your body and you are just on for the ride.  Check out I think means commit suicide or die, and the reason why you cannot leave is you will be reincarnated still under his power.  Born in a new physical body, but still in the hotel california.

"There were voices down that corridor".  Hearing voices in your head is one of the initial stages of satan pulling you under his power.  It is how he will eventually speak to you once you are captured.  They are like loud "thoughts" you know are definitely not from your own mind.  If this begins to happen, your best bet is to start by using the psychiatric medicines to block them.  Dont bother how they really work but they will keep it at a very low level where you can find your way in the end.  Even though you know its spiritual issue, you still have to follow the rules of this world at least to some extent, until you are in paradise.

The “steely knives” are often interpreted as other addicted people “stabbing” a line of cocaine. By the end of the song, we are faced with the terrible toll drugs can take on a person. “They just can't kill the beast” of addiction.