DESERT NIGHTS
Type
Song
Composer
William Kernell
Lyricist
William Kernell
Publisher
Movietone Music Corp./Sam Fox Publishing Co., New York
Show/Movie
Three On A Honeymoon
Notes
The verse is written in C-minor, but the chorus shifts to E-flat Major, a common practice to introduce an Oriental feeling to a song. The song was written for the film “Three on a Honeymoon,” a Fox Picture starring Sally Eilers, Zazu Pitts and Henrietta Crosman.
Lyrics

In the marketplace

Thru’ the busy day

Arab merchants cry their wares

Samples they’re displaying.

When the sun is setting

Faithful sons of Allah

Kneel and pray

As the day softly steals away.

Night is the friend of passion

Oriental fashion.

 

CHORUS:

 

Soft desert nights Call to the harem scarem

When the moon’s above They’re searching for love—

Sheiks fight for weeks Hoping to win their cutie

In their search for harem beauty and love—

 

Those adorable maidens glancing

While they’re dancing In a bit of lace,

Shyly giggle As they wiggle in the market place

What a race!

Soft desert nights Voice of romance is calling

Ladies in numbers appalling are falling in love.

Names/Terms
Allah, Arabs, Sheik
Locations/Objects
Harem