THE BANGLES – WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN
The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian”: A Timeless Classic
The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a song that takes you on a journey through the streets of Cairo. From the very first note, the upbeat rhythm transports you to the bustling city, filled with vibrant colors, sounds, and energy. The lyrics, with their catchy and playful tone, paint a vivid picture of the scene and invite you to join in the fun.
The song’s iconic opening guitar riff immediately grabs your attention and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The driving beat of the drums and bass keep your feet tapping, while the playful melody of the keyboard and guitar interplay adds an infectious energy that you can’t help but dance to.
As the first verse begins, the lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Cairo, with its “camel walks” and “cops crooning”. The chorus then invites the listener to join in the fun and “walk like an Egyptian”. This simple command is the perfect embodiment of the song’s playful and carefree spirit, and it’s impossible not to join in.
The song’s lyrics are filled with clever metaphors and playful imagery that add depth and interest to the song. The lines “All the Japanese with their yen/ The party boys call the Kremlin/ And the Chinese know” are a perfect example of this, using playful stereotypes to describe the global reach of the dance craze.
One of the most memorable aspects of the song is the use of hand claps to add to the energetic beat. The clapping sounds like the hands of a crowd, adding to the sense of celebration and joy that the song embodies. The chorus’s call-and-response style, with lead singer Susanna Hoffs inviting listeners to “walk like an Egyptian” and the backing vocals joining in, adds to the communal feel of the song.
The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the playful and carefree spirit of the ’80s. The song’s catchy melody, infectious beat, and clever lyrics create a sense of joy and celebration that makes it impossible not to dance along. From its memorable opening riff to its playful lyrics and hand claps, “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a song that will never go out of style.
