The Beatles – The Sheik of Araby: A Vaudeville Wink in a Rockin’ Roll Era
Delving into the vast and ever-fascinating world of The Beatles, one occasionally stumbles upon a hidden gem, a curious anomaly nestled amongst the band’s groundbreaking rock anthems and introspective ballads. Such is the case with “The Sheik of Araby,” a playful novelty song that offers a glimpse into the band’s early influences and their penchant for injecting humor into their music.
Background
Released in 1995 on the compilation album Anthology 1, “The Sheik of Araby” wasn’t a chart-topping single or a cornerstone of the band’s revolutionary sound. It was, however, a recording made during their very first audition for Decca Records in 1962, a time capsule capturing the young band still finding their musical footing.
The song itself is a delightful throwback to the era of vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley, genres popular in the early 20th century. “The Sheik of Araby,” originally released in 1922 by Snyder, Wheeler, and Smith, tells a lighthearted story of a lovelorn sheik yearning for his desert sweetheart.
The Beatles’ rendition leans heavily on the original’s playful charm. George Harrison, a teenager at the time, takes lead vocals with a youthful exuberance, channeling the bravado of the titular sheik. The song’s arrangement is a simple yet spirited rock and roll affair, drawing inspiration from Joe Brown and The Bruvvers’ 1961 rock adaptation of the song. John Lennon and Paul McCartney provide backing vocals, adding a touch of youthful harmony, while Pete Best lays down a steady beat on the drums.
While not a groundbreaking composition, “The Sheik of Araby” holds historical significance within The Beatles’ story. It showcases their early influences and their ability to adapt existing musical styles to their burgeoning rock and roll sound. The song’s lightheartedness also serves as a reminder of the band’s playful spirit, a quality that would continue to endear them to fans throughout their career.