Come On Eileen
Dexy's Midnight Runners/Dexys Midnight Runners Lyrics

Come on, Eileen
The singer is encouraging Eileen to take action or change her behavior in some way.

Come on, Eileen
This line is repeated for emphasis and to maintain the upbeat tone of the song.

Poor old Johnnie Ray
The singer is referencing a musician who evokes a feeling of sadness or longing with his music.

Sounded sad upon the radio
The artist is describing how Johnnie Ray's music sounds on the radio, conveying a sense of emotional distance or separation.

Moved a million hearts in mono
The artist is alluding to the fact that Johnnie Ray's music was very popular and resonated with a large audience despite being produced in monophonic sound.

Our mothers cried
The singer is referencing the emotional impact that Johnnie Ray's music had on an older generation.

Sang along, who'd blame them?
The singer is suggesting that it was natural for their mothers to sing along to Johnnie Ray's music because it was so moving.

You've grown (you're grown up)
The artist is acknowledging that Eileen has matured or grown older since they last saw her.

So grown (so grown up)
The artist is emphasizing how much Eileen has grown and changed, perhaps implying that they find her attractive or impressive in some way.

Now I must say more than ever
The artist is acknowledging that something significant has changed in their relationship with Eileen, prompting them to express themselves more openly.

(Come on, Eileen)
This line serves as a playful and rhythmic interjection between the more meaningful lines of the verse.

Too-ra-loo-ra
The artist is making a nonsensical, sing-song sound to create a cheerful and upbeat atmosphere.

Too-ra-loo-rye-ay
This line continues the nonsensical sound from the previous line, giving the song a whimsical and carefree vibe.

And we can sing just like our fathers
The singer is suggesting that they and Eileen can connect with an older generation through music, creating a sense of continuity and tradition.

Oh, I swear (what he means)
The singer is speaking earnestly and directly to Eileen, making a promise or declaration.

At this moment
The artist is emphasizing the weight and immediacy of what they are feeling or expressing.

You mean everything
The artist is confessing their strong feelings for Eileen, implying that she is the most important person in their life.

You in that dress
The singer is drawing attention to something specific about Eileen, perhaps implying that the way she looks is part of what makes her so special to them.

My thoughts, I confess
The singer is admitting to their innermost thoughts and feelings, perhaps revealing something vulnerable or taboo.

Verge on dirty
The artist is acknowledging that their thoughts about Eileen and her appearance may be inappropriate or sexual in nature.

These people 'round here
The artist is referring to the people in their immediate environment or community, suggesting that they are different from Eileen and the artist in some way.

Were beaten down, eyes sunk in smoke-dried face
The artist is describing the physical and emotional state of those around them, creating a contrast with Eileen's youth and vibrancy.

They're so resigned to what their fate is
The singer is suggesting that the people around them have given up or become complacent, accepting their lot in life without question or resistance.

But not us (no never)
The artist is contrasting themselves and Eileen with the people around them, asserting their independence and refusal to accept a predetermined fate.

We are far too young and clever
The singer is emphasizing their youth and intelligence, perhaps implying that they have a greater potential or destiny than those around them.

(Remember)
This line serves as a reminder, emphasizing the importance of what the singer is about to say.

And you'll hum this tune forever
The singer is suggesting that the music in the song will be so memorable and catchy that it will stay with Eileen forever, creating a lasting bond between them.

Ah, come on, Eileen
The artist is urging Eileen to take action or join them in something, expressing their enthusiasm and excitement.

Take off everything
The artist is making a suggestive comment, insinuating that they want to see Eileen naked or remove their clothing together.

That pretty red dress
The singer is drawing attention to Eileen's clothing again, perhaps implying that it adds to her attractiveness or charm.

Eileen (tell him yes)
The singer is addressing Eileen specifically, perhaps asking her to agree to a request or proposition they have made.

That pretty red dress
The artist is repeating a line from earlier in the verse, emphasizing the importance and significance of Eileen's appearance to them.

Eileen (tell him yes)
This line serves as a continuation of the previous line, emphasizing the artist's desire for Eileen to give them what they are asking for.

(Come on, Eileen, too-rye-ay)
This line is a nonsensical interjection, similar to the earlier instances of this recurring phrase.

(Come on, Eileen, too-rye-ay)
This is a musical cue, giving Eileen and the other performers a signal to repeat the same sound and rhythm from earlier in the song.

Now you're full grown (too-ra)
The artist is acknowledging Eileen's maturity and development, connecting it to the earlier reference to growing up.

And now you have shown (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
The singer is highlighting the changes they see in Eileen, as well as their own growing feelings for her.

Oh, Eileen
The singer is addressing Eileen directly, perhaps expressing affection or admiration.

Said, come on, Eileen (come on, Eileen) (you've grown)
The singer is making a playful reference to the earlier line about Eileen growing up, using repetition and rhyme to add rhythm and melody to the song.

These things they are real and I know (ta-loo-rye-ay) (so grown)
The artist is returning to the theme of growth and change, perhaps acknowledging the challenges of growing up and facing the realities of life.

How you feel (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
The artist is asking Eileen to express herself openly, acknowledging that emotions and feelings are an important part of the human experience.

Now I must say more than ever (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
The singer is repeating a line from earlier, adding urgency and emphasis to their message.

Things 'round here have changed
The singer is acknowledging that their surroundings or circumstances have undergone some sort of transformation, perhaps implying that something has shifted in their relationship with Eileen.

I said, too-ra-loo-ra (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
This line is a musical cue, signaling the performers to repeat a previously used melody and rhyme scheme.

Come on, Eileen
The artist is returning to the refrain of the song, encouraging Eileen to take action or join them in something exciting or risky.

Oh, I swear (what he means)
The artist is repeating a line from earlier, emphasizing the importance and sincerity of their message.

In that dress
The singer is once again drawing attention to Eileen's clothing, perhaps implying that it has an alluring or attractive quality.

Oh, my thoughts I confess
The artist is revisiting an earlier line, reiterating their vulnerability and openness in expressing their innermost feelings.

Well, they're dirty
The singer is acknowledging that their thoughts and desires may be considered inappropriate or taboo, perhaps implying that their feelings for Eileen are unconventional in some way.

Whoa (what he means)
The singer is emphasizing their message by adding an additional sound or syllable to their words.

Whoa
This line serves as an exclamation, perhaps indicating excitement or surprise.

Ah, come on, Eileen
The artist is once again urging Eileen to take action or join them in something exciting or risky, expressing their eagerness and enthusiasm.

Oh, believe me
The artist is attempting to convince Eileen of the truth or importance of what they are saying or feeling.

If all those endearing young chums
The singer is referring to a group of people who they find charming or endearing, perhaps emphasizing that Eileen stands out among them.

That I gaze on so fondly today
The singer is expressing their admiration or affection for the people they are looking at, perhaps implying that they are drawn to Eileen in a similar way.

Were to suddenly leave you, oh fly in the night
The artist is imagining a scenario in which the people Eileen is surrounded by suddenly disappear, perhaps implying that they want to be alone with her.

Just like fairy gifts gone in the sky
The artist is using a metaphor to describe the sudden and unexpected disappearance of the people they were just admiring, suggesting that they are fleeting and impermanent like fairy gifts.