“Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, known for its infectious energy, distinctive sound, and enduring popularity. Released in June 1982 (January 1983 in the US), the track was the band’s biggest hit and has remained a staple of 80s pop culture.
“Come On Eileen” was written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson, and Billy Adams. It was the second single from Dexys Midnight Runners’ second album, Too-Rye-Ay. The band, led by frontman Kevin Rowland, had already achieved some success in the UK, but “Come On Eileen” catapulted them to international fame.
The lyrics of “Come On Eileen” tell a story of youthful desire and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The protagonist addresses a girl named Eileen, expressing a mix of nostalgia for their shared past and a yearning for a more intimate relationship. The song captures the intensity of young love and the longing for escape from the constraints of their environment.
Musically, “Come On Eileen” is characterized by its lively tempo, dynamic shifts, and the prominent use of fiddle, which gives the song its distinctive Celtic feel. The track begins slowly with a piano and bass line before gradually building in tempo and intensity, culminating in a rousing, anthemic chorus. The song’s structure, which includes several tempo changes, adds to its unique and engaging quality.
“Come On Eileen” was a massive commercial success. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Dexys Midnight Runners’ most successful single. The song also achieved top chart positions in several other countries, solidifying its status as an international hit. “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 single in a poll for ITV