Behind My Camel
The Police
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11 facts about this song
Award-Winning Composition"Behind My Camel" is an instrumental track composed by the band's guitarist, Andy Summers. Despite its initial controversy within the band, the song went on to win the Grammy award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1982.
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Band ControversyLead vocalist and bassist Sting reportedly disliked the song so much that he refused to play on it, relegating the bass duties to guitarist Summers and drummer Copeland.
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Distinct TitleWhile there are no lyrics to explain the title, "Behind My Camel" is often speculated to have a connection to expression "the straw that broke the camel’s back". Summers has been noted saying this is his naughty phrase of saying essentially, "the last straw".
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First Instrumental"Behind My Camel" holds the distinction of being The Police's first ever instrumental track. It was featured on their album 'Zenyatta Mondatta.'
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Album TensionThe recording of 'Zenyatta Mondatta,' which included "Behind My Camel," was filled with tension and time pressure. The band had only four days to record the album due to their touring schedule, which may have contributed to the controversy surrounding the song.
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Song's DisappearanceLegend has it that, Sting, in his disapproval of "Behind My Camel," allegedly buried the master tape in the garden behind the recording studio.
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Sting's ResentmentThe song continued to be a sore point for Sting, even after it won a Grammy. He was absent from the awards ceremony, and when he did later receive his statue he used it as a doorstop.
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Summers' SatisfactionDespite Sting's disdain, Andy Summers has often expressed his fondness for "Behind My Camel." He has stated in interviews that he thought the song was innovative and unique.
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Abbey Road Recording"Behind My Camel" was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London along with the rest of the 'Zenyatta Mondatta' album.
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The Cover's JokeThe album cover for 'Zenyatta Mondatta' contains a joke related to "Behind My Camel". The band members are seen running in front of a gigantic camel, which is humorously a visual interpretation of the song title.
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Unusual Time Signatures"Behind My Camel" features shifting, unusual time signatures, demonstrating The Police's fascination with experimental rhythms and structures.
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"Behind My Camel Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17737099/The+Police/Behind+My+Camel>.
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