The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian
Playful poses, jangly hooks, and one of the weirdest smashes of the ’80s
Released on 1 September 1986 as the third single from their album Different Light, “Walk Like an Egyptian” launched The Bangles into pop superstardom with an unlikely combination: ancient imagery, off-kilter percussion, and a sly vocal rotation that felt more punk poetry than slick radio fare. What started as a ferryboat observation became one of the most instantly recognizable songs of the decade.
Sound: syncopated sass and sideways shimmer
Written by Liam Sternberg, the track was inspired by passengers wobbling aboard a ferry—reminding him of Egyptian hieroglyphs in motion. Producer David Kahne added the song’s signature bounce: a LinnDrum beat, sampled whistling, and a mischievous groove that underscored the track’s playful command.
The Bangles’ harmonies shine, but Kahne gave lead vocals to Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Michael Steele—excluding Debbi Peterson, whose drums were also subbed for programming. The result? A dynamic vocal relay backed by jangly guitars and rhythmic twitch that dares you not to strike a pose.
Lyrics: modern life, stylized strut
The verses traverse bazaar men, street cops, waitresses, and school kids, all adopting the stylized Egyptian walk like it’s the latest dance craze: “All the school kids so sick of books / They like the punk and the metal band…”
The lyrics are playful and specific, blending ancient art tropes with gritty urban snapshots. It’s part novelty, part social snapshot, delivered with a wink rather than a punch.
Chart climb: surprise smash with gold credentials
“Walk Like an Egyptian” climbed steadily after its release, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 20 December 1986 and remaining there for four weeks. It was the No. 1 U.S. single of 1987, and the first chart-topper by an all-female band playing their own instruments.
Internationally, it hit No. 1 in Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and South Africa, and peaked at No. 3 in the UK, No. 2 in Ireland, and Top 10 in Austria, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Certified Gold in the U.S., UK, and Canada, and Platinum in the Netherlands, the song’s success was both explosive and enduring.
Music video: street struts and surreal charm
Directed by Gary Weis, the video features the band performing interspersed with footage of New Yorkers mimicking Egyptian poses. Scenes include police officers, school kids, and even animated magazine covers and celebrity photos—like Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Muammar Gaddafi—edited to “walk like Egyptians.”
One moment became iconic: Susanna Hoffs’ darting eye movements, done while focusing on individual faces to overcome stage anxiety. The video was a hit on MTV and earned a nomination for Best Group Video at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
Legacy: novelty with bite
What could’ve been a disposable gimmick became pop royalty. Critics called it quirky and fun; others saw it as sly and subversive. It’s been referenced in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Family Guy, and countless pop retrospectives. A 1990 remix (Ozymandias version) charted again in the UK. Whether celebrated or side-eyed, “Walk Like an Egyptian” remains a snapshot of the ’80s at its most charmingly odd.