Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners Lyrics Meaning – Decoding A Nostalgic Anthem
Lyrics
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
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
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
In that dress
Oh, my thoughts I confess
Well, they’re dirty
Come on, Eileen
Come on, Eileen
Whoa (what he means)
Whoa
Ah, come on, Eileen
Oh, believe me
If all those endearing young chums
That I gaze on so fondly today
Were to suddenly leave you, oh fly in the night
Just like fairy gifts gone in the sky
In 1982, a song emerged from England’s West Midlands that would capture the hearts of millions and remain an enduring classic. ‘Come on Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners, led by the impassioned Kevin Rowland, is a tapestry of youthful exuberance, nostalgic reflections, and a plea for change. The track oscillated between a rustic charm and blistering soul, encapsulating an era’s soulful grit and the fervent desire for transformation.
Beyond its infectious beat and folk-inspired interludes, ‘Come on Eileen’ harbors a depth that often escapes the casual listener. It’s a song of contrasts – juxtaposing the melancholic remembrance of past musical icons with the impetuousness of young love and the defiance of the status quo. Let’s delve into its rich lyrical narrative and uncover the poignant aspects that transform this song from a mere pop hit into a timeless social anthem.
The Sorrow & Nostalgia of Johnnie Ray
The song opens with a homage to Johnnie Ray, a 50s heartthrob and music sensation, evoking a bygone era of simplicity and raw emotion. Ray’s music, ‘sounded sad upon the radio,’ resonating deeply with a previous generation defined by their mothers who are moved to tears. ‘Come on Eileen’ then swiftly transitions from these historical reflections into the present, suggesting a relationship between the past our parents cherished and our own desire to write our musical chapter.
Yet, this is not merely a throwback to the oldies; it is an invocation for the youth to embrace their heritage (‘we can sing just like our fathers’) while challenging them to forge their path, indicating a generational shift in ethos and hope. Rowland leads this charge with energetic vocals that demand attention, urging Eileen and through her, the entire youth, to transcend their given narratives.
A Lustful Confession Wrapped in Innocence
Central to the track is Rowland’s unabashed admission of desire, ‘You in that dress/My thoughts I confess/Verge on dirty.’ The declaration is as sincere as it is naughty, a candid outpouring that balances on the edge of provocative and sweet. The ‘red dress’ stands out as a symbol of burgeoning sexuality and rebellion.
Importantly, the direct address to Eileen transforms the song into an intimate conversation, drawing listeners into this shared moment of vulnerability. The song’s magnetic pull lies in this juxtaposition of innocence and sensuality, reflecting the multidimensional aspects of young love. The ensemble’s support vocals create a communal sensibility, echoing the personal into the universal.
Defiance in the Face of Adversity
Amidst the foot-stomping rhythm, the song reveals a stark portrait of a community ‘beaten down’ and resigned. It’s in this context that Rowland’s lyrics shine a defiant light, ‘But not us (no never), But not us (not ever).’ ‘Come on Eileen’ then goes from being a frolic in the fields of youth to a fierce declaration of resistance against societal resignation, a call to action.
The repetition of ‘too-ra-loo-ra’ becomes an anthemic chant, a mantra of resilience against the ‘smoke-dried’ defeatism that surrounds them. This creates a soundscape that encapsulates a spirit seeking to break free from the constraints of their dismal environment, encouraging a generation to rise above their ‘fate’.
The Rallying Cry of ‘Too-ra-loo-ra’
The infectious chorus of ‘Too-ra-loo-ra, Too-ra-loo-rye-ay’ is more than a catchy hook; it’s an integral piece of the story. This Celtic-sounding refrain is reminiscent of pub sing-alongs and communal bonding, effectively capturing the essence of collective memory and shared cultural identity.
With these seemingly nonsensical syllables, the band creates an aural bridge, connecting the individual to the collective experience. The song fortifies the listener’s resolve, to ‘hum this tune forever’, thus immortalizing the message of the song and ensuring its legacy within the zeitgeist.
Unearthing the Hidden Rebellion
At first glance, ‘Come on Eileen’ might just be an enthusiastic burst of joy, but deep within its verses lies a rebellion. The call to ‘take off everything’ is as much literal as it is metaphorical, symbolizing the shedding of old constraints and the exposure of one’s true self, devoid of societal conventions.
It is this rebellion that encapsulates the essence of ‘Come on Eileen’, providing an anchor for the song’s deeper meaning. The music not only dares to touch on taboo but also is emblematic of the desire to break free and seek out a new destiny, one that is as vivid and dynamic as the very melody that holds the tune.
