Introduction and Song Overview
“The Sheik of Araby” is a charming and nostalgic entry in The Everly Brothers’ vast catalog, offering a playful throwback to early 20th-century popular music. Originally composed in 1921 by Ted Snyder (music) with lyrics by Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler, this song was inspired by the romantic mystique of the Middle East, especially following the success of the silent film The Sheik starring Rudolph Valentino.
When The Everly Brothers recorded their own rendition of this classic, they brought their signature harmony and upbeat style to a song that had already lived several musical lifetimes. Their version wasn’t about commercial impact—it was about paying homage to musical history, injecting youthful energy into a tune nearly half a century old.
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Origins of the Song
“The Sheik of Araby” first gained popularity during the Roaring Twenties, a time when exoticism and jazz were all the rage. The song quickly became a jazz standard and was recorded by countless artists over the decades, including Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, and The Beatles (in a famous Decca audition tape in 1962).
For The Everly Brothers, including this song in their recordings reflected their deep respect for the roots of American popular music. Don and Phil had grown up surrounded by country, gospel, folk, and early jazz influences. Songs like “The Sheik of Araby” were part of that early musical fabric.
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Why The Everly Brothers Recorded This Song
Rather than chasing radio hits, the Everlys recorded “The Sheik of Araby” to showcase their versatility and musical curiosity. In the early-to-mid 1960s, they had begun to include more eclectic and traditional material in their repertoire, sometimes recording entire albums that leaned into older genres or acoustic stylings.
By revisiting a song like this, they:
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Bridged generations, bringing old-time tunes to new audiences.
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Paid tribute to their musical forebears and American music history.
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Experimented stylistically, stepping outside the rock/pop formula that made them famous.
Their take on “The Sheik of Araby” plays like a fun interlude—a burst of novelty, humor, and nostalgia amidst a catalog full of heartbreak and harmony.
Musical Style and Interpretation
While the original versions of “The Sheik of Araby” were often delivered in a jazz or ragtime style, The Everly Brothers infused it with rockabilly charm and close-knit harmonies.
Key elements of their version:
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Upbeat tempo with a swinging rhythm section.
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Tight vocal harmony, as always—Don and Phil’s voices blending seamlessly.
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Lighthearted energy, capturing the playful tone of the lyrics.
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Simple instrumentation, staying true to the song’s early 20th-century spirit.
Though not a radical reimagining, their rendition brings freshness and accessibility to a song that might otherwise feel antique to younger ears.
The Message and Mood of the Song
“The Sheik of Araby” is not a deeply philosophical ballad—it’s light, fun, and theatrical. The lyrics paint a tongue-in-cheek picture of a confident, exotic “Sheik” who boldly declares his love and devotion:
“I’m the Sheik of Araby / Your love belongs to me…”
There’s a sense of flirtation and swagger, but it’s all in good fun. The song doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of the charm. It parodies the romanticized image of the desert lover—something popularized in Hollywood films and vaudeville acts of the 1920s.
Cultural and Artistic Context
Including “The Sheik of Araby” in their repertoire positioned The Everly Brothers as musical archivists as much as pop stars. At a time when rock was becoming louder and more experimental, the Everlys reminded audiences of the enduring appeal of simple, catchy songs from a bygone era.
It also served to highlight one of their enduring strengths: vocal harmony. Whether singing about teenage heartache or parodying desert romance, their blend remained unmistakable.
In many ways, “The Sheik of Araby” connected the roots of American music with the emerging sensibilities of the 1960s, proving that timeless melodies could still resonate—if done with respect, talent, and heart.
Legacy and Modern Reception
While “The Sheik of Araby” is not one of the Everly Brothers’ most commercially recognized tracks, it cements their identity as musicians who respected tradition. It offers a glimpse into their musical playfulness and cultural awareness, and for longtime fans, it’s a delightful detour in their discography.
Today, listeners often rediscover the song through compilations or deep album cuts. It stands out for its novelty, historic charm, and vocal precision—a reminder that even novelty songs can have lasting value when delivered by artists of integrity.