Come On Eileen
Midnight Runners Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come on, Eileen
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

Overall Meaning

“Come on, Eileen” is a song by the British band Midnight Runner, released in 1982. The song is written in first person where the singer is urging Eileen (a girl) to come on, and they sing the title phrase “Come on, Eileen” throughout the song. The opening lines, “Poor old Johnnie Ray / Sounded sad upon the radio / Moved a million hearts in mono / Our mothers cried / Sang along, who'd blame them?” are a tribute to Johnnie Ray, an influential singer of the 1950s. The line “Moved a million hearts in mono” refers to the fact that Ray was popular at a time when most people listened to music on mono radios.


The second verse is about Eileen and the singer’s feelings for her. The lines “You in that dress / My thoughts, I confess / Verge on dirty / Ah, come on, Eileen” suggest that the singer finds Eileen attractive but is hesitant to act on his feelings. The third verse is a celebration of youth and a rejection of resignation. The lines “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)” portray the singer and Eileen as being more adventurous and optimistic than their peers.


The chorus of “Come on, Eileen” is famous for its use of the Irish folk song “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral,” which gives the song a catchy sing-along quality. The song was a commercial success upon its release, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number one in various other countries. The song has since become a classic and is frequently played at weddings, parties, and other events. The music video for the song features the band and various people dancing in a farmhouse, giving the video a celebratory and inclusive tone.


Line by Line Meaning

Come on, Eileen
The singer is encouraging Eileen to do something with him.


Come on, Eileen
The singer repeats the same encouragement to Eileen.


Poor old Johnnie Ray
The singer mentions a musician, Johnnie Ray, who sounded sad on the radio.


Sounded sad upon the radio
The artist describes how Johnnie Ray's music conveyed sadness when played on the radio.


Moved a million hearts in mono
The artist suggests that Johnnie Ray's music had a significant emotional impact on listeners despite being in mono sound.


Our mothers cried
The singer notes that their mothers were moved to tears by Johnnie Ray's music.


Sang along, who'd blame them?
The singer asks who could blame their mothers for singing along to Johnnie Ray's music.


You've grown (you're grown up)
The artist acknowledges that Eileen has become an adult.


So grown (so grown up)
The artist emphasizes how much Eileen has grown up.


Now I must say more than ever
The artist feels compelled to say something to Eileen at this moment.


(Come on, Eileen)
The singer reiterates his encouragement to Eileen.


Too-ra-loo-ra
The artist sings nonsense words, which serve as a refrain throughout the song.


Too-ra-loo-rye-ay
The singer sings more nonsense words, as the refrain continues.


And we can sing just like our fathers
The singer notes that they can sing like their fathers did, perhaps referencing a specific song or style.


Oh, I swear (what he means)
The singer is making a heartfelt promise, and clarifying his intention.


At this moment
The artist emphasizes that the promise is especially relevant or important right now.


You mean everything
The artist is conveying the depth of his feelings for Eileen.


You in that dress
The singer is admiring Eileen's appearance, specifically her dress.


My thoughts, I confess
The singer admits to having thoughts related to Eileen and her appearance.


Verge on dirty
The artist acknowledges that his thoughts may be inappropriate or risqué.


These people 'round here
The artist remarks on the people in their immediate vicinity.


Were beaten down, eyes sunk in smoke-dried face
The artist describes the appearance of the people around them, possibly suggesting they are downtrodden or worn out.


They're so resigned to what their fate is
The singer suggests that the people around them have accepted their lot in life.


But not us (no never)
The artist distances themselves from the resigned mindset of the people around them.


But not us (not ever)
The singer emphasizes that they will never give up like the people around them.


We are far too young and clever
The singer believes that they are both young and intelligent, and therefore capable of achieving more than those around them.


(Remember)
The singer urges Eileen to remember something important, though it's not clear what.


Ah, come on, let's
The artist is once again urging Eileen to join him in doing something.


Take off everything
The artist wants Eileen to remove whatever clothing she is wearing.


That pretty red dress
The singer is specifically mentioning the dress Eileen is wearing.


Eileen (tell him yes)
The singer is asking Eileen to agree to something, though what that is remains unclear.


Now you're full grown (too-ra)
The artist invokes the earlier idea that Eileen is now a full-grown adult.


And now you have shown (too-ra, ta-loo-ra)
The artist is acknowledging that Eileen has proven herself in some way, though it's not clear what.


Oh, Eileen
The artist addresses Eileen directly again.


Said, come on, Eileen (come on, Eileen) (you've grown)
The singer is exhorting Eileen to participate, while also noting that she has grown up.


These things they are real and I know (ta-loo-rye-ay) (so grown)
The artist is emphasizing that the things he is saying are true and meaningful, while also highlighting Eileen's growth.


How you feel (come on, Eileen, ta-loo-rye-ay)
The singer is asking Eileen to express how she feels about whatever is happening or being discussed.


Things 'round here have changed
The singer is noting that something has changed in their surroundings, perhaps related to the people mentioned earlier.


Whoa (what he means)
The singer is once again emphasizing the sincerity of what he is saying or promising.


Ah, come on, Eileen
The artist repeats his encouragement to Eileen.


Oh, believe me
The artist is telling the listener to trust him.


If all those endearing young chums
The singer is addressing someone other than Eileen, possibly their friends or peers.


That I gaze on so fondly today
The singer acknowledges their fond feelings for their friends or peers.


Were to suddenly leave you, oh fly in the night
The artist is warning that if these friends were to part ways, it would happen suddenly and with great speed.


Just like fairy gifts gone in the sky
The artist likens the departure of these friends to fairy gifts that vanish without a trace.


Whoa
The artist repeats his earlier emphasis on the truth of his words or promises.


Ah, come on, Eileen
The singer repeats his encouragement to Eileen.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Paterson, Kevin Rowland, Kevin Adams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@AnaRs1010

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
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



All comments from YouTube:

@donhardy9248

This was my little sister's favorite song. I was in college when my dad called me late at night and told me to come home immediately. As I drove, I prayed harder than I've ever prayed, begging God that it not be her, but ... she was already gone, killed by a drunk driver at just 15 years of age. Susan was the sweetest, friendliest, most fun-loving girl on the planet, and she was robbed of a beautiful long life. They say that time heals all wounds, but 40+ years later it just isn't true. For years this song brought horribly sad memories, but now at age 63, I find strange comfort in the tune.

@karumrum

So sorry for you. That's awful. You made me tear up 💔

@bigtastyforlife9367

You learn to live with it but deep down you always feel cheated.

@janddreyes33

I'm so sorry to hear about your little sister's tragic death. I pray God continues healing and comforting your heart.

@jackbaynes3959

So so sorry to hear that

@nuclearsake3887

She had great taste in music, and sounded like a delightful person. Sorry for your loss.

106 More Replies...

@blairdrexel2033

i was born in 1982 ,i always wondered my connection to this song and why i love it so much!!!!! ... A black man from the ghetto of all ghettos shouldn't ever hear this song but i did and I'm thankful

@robbiedubbelman3024

Music is the universal language, doesn't matter where you come from or who you are. If it resonates with your soul you were meant to hear it 😊🙏

@blairdrexel2033

@@robbiedubbelman3024 i agree!!!!!!

@victorbaez8188

Damm you are old!

More Comments

More Versions