Come on Eileen

Dexys Midnight Runners

About Come on Eileen

"Come On Eileen" is a song by English group Dexys Midnight Runners (credited to Dexys Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express), released in the United Kingdom on 25 June 1982 as a single from their album Too-Rye-Ay. It reached number one in the United States, and was their second number one hit in the UK, following 1980's "Geno". The song was written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson and Billy Adams, and was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. "Come On Eileen" won Best British Single at the 1983 Brit Awards and in 2015 the song was voted by the British public as the nation's sixth favourite 1980s number one in a poll for ITV. It was ranked number 18 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s. 


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Come on, Eileen

Poor old Johnnie Ray
Sounded sad upon the radio
Moved a million hearts in mono
Our mothers cried
Sang along, who'd blame them?

You've grown (you're grown up)
So grown (so grown up)
Now I must say more than ever
(Come on, Eileen)
Too-ra-loo-ra
Too-ra-loo-rye-ay
And we can sing just like our fathers

Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment 
You mean everything
You in that dress
My thoughts, I confess
Verge on dirty
Ah, come on, Eileen

(Come on, Eileen)

These people 'round here
Were beaten down, eyes sunk in smoke-dried face
They're so resigned to what their fate is
But not us (no never)
But not us (not ever)
We are far too young and clever
(Remember)
Too-ra-loo-ra
Too-ra-loo-rye-ay
And you'll hum this tune forever, oh

Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (what he means)
Ah, come on, let's
Take off everything
That pretty red dress
Eileen (tell him yes)
Ah, come on, let's
Ah, come on, Eileen, please

(Come on, Eileen, too-rye-ay)
(Come on, Eileen, too-rye-ay)
Now you're full grown (too-ra)
And now you have shown (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
Oh, Eileen
Said, come on, Eileen (come on, Eileen) (you've grown)
These things they are real and I know (ta-loo-rye-ay) (so grown)
How you feel (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
Now I must say more than ever (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
Things 'round here have changed
I said, too-ra-loo-ra (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
Too-ra-loo-rye-ay (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
(Too-ra, ta-loo-ra)

Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment
You mean everything
You in that dress
My thoughts, I confess
Verge on dirty
Ah, come on, Eileen

Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment
You mean everything
You in that dress
Oh, my thoughts I confess

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Dexys Midnight Runners

Dexys Midnight Runners (currently called Dexys) are an English pop group with soul influences, who achieved their major success in the early to mid 1980s. They are best known for their songs "Come On Eileen" and "Geno", both of which went No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. more »

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Written by: James Paterson, Kevin Rowland, Kevin Adams

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Chart Success
"Come On Eileen" was a major hit for Dexys Midnight Runners, topping the charts in both the UK and the US in 1982.
Genre Blend
The song integrates elements from folk music and pop, with an infectious blend of fiddle and saxophone taking center stage.
Inspiration
Kevin Rowland, the band's lead vocalist, disclosed that the lyrics were inspired by a childhood friend named Eileen.
Grammy Nomination
In 1983, "Come On Eileen" received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
One Hit Wonder
Despite the immense success of "Come On Eileen", Dexys Midnight Runners is perceived as a one-hit-wonder band in the United States, as none of their other songs achieved similar recognition.
Famous Opening Phrase
The song starts with an iconic line in the form of a gripe: "Poor old Johnny Ray." Ray was a popular singer in the 1950s, known for his raw, emotional delivery.
Music Video
The accompanying music video for "Come On Eileen" is notable for its depiction of the band members in raggedy, old-fashioned clothing, which became a trademark look for the group.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "Come On Eileen" has been covered by a number of artists in different genres, including ska punk band Save Ferris and country singer Thomas Rhett.
Pop Culture Icon
The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, most notably in the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."
Q Best British Song
In 2005, "Come On Eileen" was voted as the Best British Song by the readers of Q magazine, beating out contenders such as "Imagine" by John Lennon and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
Indecipherable Lyrics
Much of the song's lyrics have been debated due to the singing style of Kevin Rowland, which made some of the words difficult to comprehend.
Triple Tribute
The song pays tribute to three pop icons - Johnnie Ray, Lee Marvin, and Van Morrison, mentioned explicitly in the lyrics.

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    Come on Eileen

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #1


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