I ride cross the desert on my camel
Over hills of sand
(Hills of sand)
What's that I see in the distance?
Only hills of sand
(Hills of sand)
There is no oasis in sight;
I'll have to ride through the night
If I'm to make Baghdad by light
Of dawn.

The sun's not your friend in the desert
Like he is at home
(Is at home)
The wind has a name in the desert
(Scirocco!)
But it's barely known.
(Rarely known)
It's only the heartiest bloom
That can blossom in darkest Khartoum;
So I will just stay in my room
Tonight.

The desert isn't free with her secrets;
She's a silent bird
(Quiet bird)
I asked the Sphinx for the answer.
It's said, "Mum's the word."
So I'll catch the Zanzibar train
And sleep 'til I'm wakened by rain
And I'm back in Olde Englande againe
Once more.