The Sheik of Araby
Albert Ammons & Meade Lux Lewis Lyrics

The lyrics of Sheik of Araby are a classic example of a love song. The singer, who assumes the role of a sheik, asserts himself as the object of love of the subject of the song. The lyrics are set against the backdrop of the sheik's residence in Araby, which is a metaphor for a mystical place. As such, the song taps into the romanticism surrounding exotic cultures and how they embody adventure, otherness, and escape.

The lyrics reveal the sheik's confidence in his ability to win over his subject, even as she sleeps. The lines "Your love belongs to me...Into your tent, I'll creep" communicate the sheik's sense of ownership, which he regards as a given. He is convinced that they will find love under the stars that shine above. The last line, "You'll rule this land with me," is a declaration of love that is also romantic and somewhat idealistic. It implies that the sheik sees his beloved as a partner, not merely a possession.