Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights is a the opening song from Aladdin, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It was performed by The Peddler (singing voice by the late Bruce Adler). Initially a longer composition, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's 1990 score treatment incorporated several reprises allowing The Peddler to comment on plot developments. But some lyrics were cut from the final version and some lyrics were edited by Tim Rice.

An alternate version of the song utilizing lyrics from the original demo was later featured in The Return of Jafar, performed by Brian Hannan. This version was also used as the main titles theme for the Aladdin television series.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves features a reprise performed by Adler originally recorded for the first film.

Arabian Nights pops up in the movie's score quite often, primarily used as a theme for Jafar.

Aladdin version
Oh, I come from a land, from a faraway place

Where the caravan camels roam

Where it's flat and immense

And the heat is intense

It's barbaric, but hey, it's home

When the wind's from the east

And the sun's from the west

And the sand in the glass is right

Come on down

Stop on by

Hop a carpet and fly

To another Arabian night

Arabian nights

Like Arabian days

More often than not

Are hotter than hot

In a lot of good ways

Arabian nights

'Neath Arabian moons

A fool off his guard

Could fall and fall hard

Out there on the dunes

The Return of Jafar and TV series version
Follow me to place where incredible feats

Are Routine every hour or so

Where enchantment runs ramped

Yes wild in the streets

Open Sesame, here we go!

Arabian Nights

Like Arabian Days

They tease and excite

Take off and take flight

They shock and amaze

Arabian Nights

Like Arabian Days

More often than not

Are hotter than hot

In a lot of good ways

Pack you shield, Pack your sword

You won't ever get bored

Though get beaten or gored, you might

Come on down

Stop on by

Hop a carpet and fly

To another Arabian night

Arabian Night!

Trivia

 * When the film was first released to cinemas, the line, "Where it's flat and immense/And the heat is intense" was originally, "Where they cut off your ear/If they don't like your face". Due to the line being offensive, it was changed shortly after being released.