Come On Eileen
by Dexys Midnight Runners
What is “Come On Eileen” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Come On Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners captures a moment of youthful defiance and aspiration against a backdrop of working-class resignation, celebrating a swell of feelings towards the titular Eileen, dressed strikingly to transform an ordinary moment into something magical.
So… what’s this song really about?
The song 'Come On Eileen' juxtaposes youthful enthusiasm and romantic desires against a dreary, resigned community setting. The protagonist uses the catchphrase 'Come on, Eileen' as a mantra to elevate both himself and Eileen above their mundane circumstances. The lyrics 'Toora, loora, toora, loo-rye-aye' might serve as a nonsensical yet catchy chorus, yet it evokes a sense of timelessness and connection to heritage, possibly hinting at the Irish roots of the community and a longing for a joyful escape.
The repeated calls to Eileen to engage in a moment of carefree abandonment, and the descriptions of her dress, signify attempts to break away from societal constraints. The emotional intensity crescendos with mentions of thoughts that 'verge on dirty,' reflecting a frank acknowledgment of youthful sexuality. Moreover, the song acknowledges change and maturity, suggesting a bittersweet awareness that this escape might be temporary, but it's a necessary affirmation of life's possibilities beyond the immediate hardships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Come On Eileen' released?
'Come On Eileen' was released in 1982.
Q: Did 'Come On Eileen' achieve significant recognition?
Yes, 'Come On Eileen' reached number one on the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK.
Lyrics to “Come On Eileen”
92 ContributorsTranslations
[Post-Chorus]
Come on, Eileen
[Verse 2]
These people 'round here
Were beaten down, eyes sunk in smoke-dried face
They're resigned to what their fate is
But no, not us (No, never)
No, not us (No, never)
We are far too young and clever (Remember)
Toora, loora, toora, loo-rye-aye
Eileen, I'll hum this tune forever
[Chorus]
Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (Well, 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
That pretty red dress
Eileen (Tell him yes)
Ah, come on, let's
Ah, come on, Eileen
Please
[Bridge]
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
Now you are grown, now you have shown (Toora, toora, ta-loora)
Oh, Eileen, said
Come on, Eileen (You've grown)
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
These things, they are real and I know (So grown)
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
How you feel
Now I must say more than ever (Toora, toora, ta-loora)
Things 'round here have changed, I said
Toora, loora, toora, loo-rye-aye
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
(Come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-aye)
(Toora, toora, ta-loora)
[Chorus]
Come on, Eileen
Oh, I swear (Well, 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 (Well, he means)
At this moment
You mean everything
In that dress
Oh, my thoughts, I confess
Well, they're dirty
Come on, Eileen
Come on, Eileen
Woah (Well, he means)
Oh-ho-ho-ho
Ah, come on, ah, come on, ah, come on (Everything)
In that dress
Woah (I confess)
[Outro]
Oh, believe me, if all those endearing young charms
That I gaze on so fondly today
Were to suddenly leave you or fly in the night
Just like fairy gifts gone in the sky