Come On Eileen
Kevin Rowland & Dexys Midnight Lyrics

Come on, Eileen
The singer is urging Eileen to do something with him, though it is not clear what exactly.

Come on, Eileen
The singer is still urging Eileen to do something with him, maintaining his persistence.

Poor old Johnnie Ray
The singer recounts a musician who appears to have touched many people with his musical talents, making their mothers emotional.

Sounded sad upon the radio
The artist describes Johnnie Ray's music as having a melancholic feel.

Moved a million hearts in mono
Johnnie Ray's music made many people feel emotional, despite its monaural sound.

Our mothers cried
This shows how Johnnie Ray's music has affected many people, including people's parents, and made them emotional.

Sang along, who'd blame them?
Many people sang along to Johnnie Ray's music, and they are not to be blamed for it.

You've grown (you're grown up)
The artist acknowledges Eileen for having grown up since they last saw each other.

So grown (so grown up)
The artist emphasises how much Eileen has grown up since they last met.

Now I must say more than ever
The artist is emphasising that he needs to say something important to Eileen now, more than ever before.

(Come on, Eileen)
The singer reminds Eileen to focus on the matter at hand, whatever it may be.

Too-ra-loo-ra
This is a nonsensical phrase that serves as a refrain throughout the song.

Too-ra-loo-rye-ay
This is another nonsensical phrase that serves as a refrain throughout the song.

And we can sing just like our fathers
This line suggests that the singer and Eileen can bond over their shared musical interests.

Oh, I swear (what he means)
The singer is promising something, but it is unknown what that might be.

At this moment
The artist is emphasising that he feels very strongly about Eileen in this moment.

You mean everything
The artist is telling Eileen that she is everything to him in this moment.

You in that dress
The singer is admiring Eileen's dress, and possibly Eileen herself.

My thoughts, I confess
The singer is admitting to having inappropriate thoughts about Eileen, but not specifying what those thoughts are.

Verge on dirty
The artist is implying that his thoughts are not entirely pure and may be inappropriate or lustful.

These people 'round here
The artist is describing the people in their current location, who are apparently downtrodden and unhappy.

Were beaten down, eyes sunk in smoke-dried face
The people in the area seem to be living difficult lives, as evidenced by their appearance.

They're so resigned to what their fate is
The people in the area have apparently come to accept their difficult circumstances and do not have much hope for change.

But not us (no never)
The artist and Eileen are not like the people around them and do not feel resigned to a fate like theirs.

But not us (not ever)
The singer characterises himself and Eileen as being determined to make their own way in life and not become resigned like the people around them.

We are far too young and clever
The singer sees himself and Eileen as being young and full of promise, unlike the older people around them who are stuck in their ways.

(Remember)
The singer is prompting Eileen to remember something, but it is unclear what that might be.

And you'll hum this tune forever
The artist is suggesting that the song they are singing will stay with Eileen for the rest of her life.

Ah, come on, let's
The artist is urging Eileen again to do something with him, but what that is is left to the listener's imagination.

Take off everything
The singer is likely asking Eileen to remove something, but it is not clear what that might be.

That pretty red dress
The object that the singer is asking Eileen to remove is revealed to be her red dress.

Eileen (tell him yes)
The artist urges Eileen to give him a specific answer to a question he has likely asked her, but again, it is unclear what the question is.

Now you're full grown (too-ra)
The artist is once again acknowledging Eileen's growth and maturity since they last met.

And now you have shown (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
The artist recognises that Eileen has accomplished something significant since they last met.

Oh, Eileen
The singer is addressing Eileen directly, adding emphasis.

These things they are real and I know (ta-loo-rye-ay) (so grown)
The artist is acknowledging the changes that have taken place in both Eileen and himself since they last saw each other.

How you feel (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
The singer is interested in Eileen's emotional state and wants her to open up to him.

Things 'round here have changed
The singer is acknowledging that things have changed in the area they are currently in.

Whoa (what he means)
The singer is using another nonsensical interjection to express his feelings.

Ah, come on, Eileen
The artist is making another plea to Eileen, who seems to be the focus of his attention throughout the song.

Oh, believe me
The artist is emphasising that what he is saying is true and trustworthy.

If all those endearing young chums
The singer is referring to a group of people he might have grown up with or who work in the same place.

That I gaze on so fondly today
The singer is nostalgic about the people he is referring to and thinks about them often.

Were to suddenly leave you, oh fly in the night
The artist is warning Eileen that she should appreciate the people she has in her life now, because they could disappear at any moment.

Just like fairy gifts gone in the sky
The artist is comparing the sudden loss of loved ones to something that just disappears, like something magical and other-worldly.