"Come On Eileen" is a classic song by the English group Dexys Midnight Runners (credited as Dexys Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express), released in June 1982 as the lead single from their second album, Too-Rye-Ay. The track is renowned for its infectious Celtic-inspired melody, energetic tempo changes, and memorable chorus, becoming one of the defining pop anthems of the 1980s12.
Musical Style and Composition
- Genre: Pop rock, new wave, Celtic folk
- Instrumentation: Prominent use of violin, banjo, piano, and a driving rhythm section
- Songwriters: Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson, Billy Adams
- Producers: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley
- Distinctive Features:
- The song opens with a Celtic violin motif, referencing the traditional tune "Believe Me, if All Those Endearing Young Charms"
- Dynamic tempo shifts, building from a slow introduction to a rousing, fast-paced chorus
- The chorus features the iconic chant: "Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye-ay"
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics reflect a youthful longing to break free from societal and personal constraints, using the character of Eileen as a symbol of innocence and awakening desire. According to frontman Kevin Rowland, Eileen is a composite character, representing themes of Catholic repression and the urge to escape1. The song references 1950s singer Johnnie Ray, evoking nostalgia and generational change.
"Come on Eileen / Oh, I swear (what he means) / At this moment, you mean everything..."
Chart Performance and Reception
- UK Singles Chart: #1 (best-selling single of 1982 in the UK)
- US Billboard Hot 100: #1 (April 1983)
- Other #1s: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Belgium
- Awards: Won Best British Single at the 1983 Brit Awards
- Sales: Over 1.33 million copies sold in the UK as of 2013
Cultural Impact
- Ranked #18 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '80s"
- Frequently cited as one of the greatest one-hit wonders in the US, though the band had other hits in the UK
- The track is a staple at parties, weddings, and retro events, known for its irresistible singalong chorus and danceable rhythm
- Featured in films (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), TV, and video games
Music Video
- Directed by Julien Temple, filmed in the Elephant and Castle area of London
- Eileen is portrayed by Máire Fahey, sister of Siobhan Fahey from Bananarama
- The video’s working-class aesthetic and the band’s distinctive dungaree outfits became iconic
Personnel
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Kevin Rowland | Vocals, songwriting |
| Billy Adams | Banjo, vocals |
| Jim Paterson | Trombone, songwriting |
| Helen O'Hara | Violin |
| Steve Brennan | Violin |
| Micky Billingham | Piano, vocals |
| Giorgio Kilkenny | Bass, vocals |
| Seb Shelton | Drums, vocals |
| Additional musicians include Paul Speare (sax), Brian Maurice (sax), and others |
Legacy
"Come On Eileen" endures as a beloved anthem of the 1980s, celebrated for its exuberance, melodic inventiveness, and emotional resonance. Its influence continues to be felt in pop culture and music history12.
