The narrator arrives in Boston and takes a ten-minute ride to the Holiday Inn. They describe the boredom they feel and how they have become accustomed to it. They mention their experience playing in various bands and claim that staying in a motel like the Holiday Inn is an experience worth having.

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Meaning of "Holiday Inn" by Elton John


The lyrics of "Holiday Inn" by Elton John depict the life of a rock and roll musician, filled with constant travel and staying in various motels. The mention of arriving in Boston and heading to the Holiday Inn suggests the transient nature of the narrator's lifestyle. The hot towels passed around by the hostess symbolize the temporary luxuries and comforts that come with being on the road. The feeling of boredom that the narrator describes reflects the repetitiveness and monotony that can accompany life as a musician, with endless hours waiting and kicking their heels. However, the narrator seems content with this lifestyle, mentioning how they have "twiddled their thumbs" in multiple bands, implying that they have experienced the highs and lows of the music industry. The Holiday Inn becomes a symbol of the temporary home and respite from the road, a place where they can feel a sense of familiarity and ease. Overall, the song suggests that even though the life of a rock and roll musician may be filled with challenges and repetitive actions, it is also a fulfilling and exciting journey.