The Sheik Of Araby: Introduction
“The Sheik Of Araby” is one of The Beatles’ songs from their failed Decca audition tape. The problem with a song like this is that it may please audiences, but in the studio, it didn’t impress Decca Records that day. Be that as it may, the song still has charm and is worthy of its place on The Beatles’ “Anthology 1” album.
In Detail
- Release Date: November 21, 1995
- Recorded: January 1, 1962
- Studio: Decca Studios, London
- Format: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 1:41
- Songwriters: Harry B. Smith, Francis Wheeler, and Ted Snyder
- Producer: Mike Smith
Performers And Instruments**
- George Harrison: vocals, also the lead guitar
- John Lennon: backing vocals and the rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: backing vocals as well as the bass guitar
- Pete Best: drums
**Obviously, at the time of recording, Ringo Starr was not yet a member of The Beatles.
Where To Find “The Sheik Of Araby”
You can still buy this fine song because it is on the following album:
The Sheik Of Araby: Background
In the late 1950s and 1960s, many songs were cover versions from previous decades, and this Vaudeville song dates back to 1922. However, The Beatles spruced the song up to match the rock and roll era at the time. In fact, the inspiration came from a version by Joe Brown and The Bruvvers from 1961.
“In those days, a lot of the rock ‘n’ roll songs were actually old tunes from the Forties, Fifties or whenever, which people had rocked up. That was the thing to do if you didn’t have a tune: just rock up an oldie. Joe Brown had recorded a rock ‘n’ roll version of The Sheik Of Araby. He was really popular on the Saturday TV show Six-Five Special and Oh Boy!. I did the Joe Brown records, so I sang Sheik Of Araby.”
George Harrison
Anthology
Many other artists would cover the song but none more important than the Fab Four. On this song, we hear George Harrison on lead vocal, of course. However, listen carefully, and you will hear someone say “not half” in comic style, making it sound like “aha.” This is probably the humour of John Lennon coming through.
Just to point out that “not ‘arf” was one of the catchphrases which DJ Alan Freeman would use. Moreover, Freeman used the nickname “Fluff” and, from 1961, would present Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio. Whether the phrase comes from this source or not is unclear.
Brian Epstein chose the tracks for The Beatles’ Decca audition tape and “The Sheik Of Araby” was one of those songs.
Take A Listen
So, now you can hear one of The Fab Four’s early songs. Once you do, please consider sharing your thoughts with us. Also, our Beatles Forum is waiting for you (link at the top of every article).