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Dexy's Midnight Runners


A little something about Dexy's Midnight Runners
Sadly, Dexy's Midnight Runners fall into the 'one-hit-wonder' category of early 1980s bands, though that one hit remains one of the most fun, memorable songs of the early '80s. Come On Eileen made it to the top spot on both the U.K. and the American charts, though with its Irish folk roots, understated drums, and conspicuous lack of electronically created sounds it was hardly your typical 1982 pop song. Headed by Kevin Rowland, Dexy's Midnight Runners went through several years of marginal successes, miserable failures, and near break-ups before recording Come On Eileen. Their line-up changed several times, as did the band's look: from a 50's street gang style with James Dean hair and leather jackets, to wholesome athletes in work-out gear, to the dungaree-clad gypsies of their Come On Eileen days; and finally to the pretty-boy look popularized by their new wave contemporaries.

Come on Eileen

Poor old Johnny Ray
Sounded sad upon the radio
He moved a million hearts in mono
Our mothers cried and sang along and who'd blame them
Now you're grown, so grown, now I must say more than ever
Go toora loora toora loo rye aye
And we can sing just like our fathers

Come on Eileen, well I swear (what he means)
At this moment, you mean everything
With you in that dress my thoughts I confess
Verge on dirty
Ah come on Eileen

These people round here wear beaten down eyes
Sunk in smoke dried faces
They're so resigned to what their fate is
But not us, no not us
We are far too young and clever
Eileen I'll sing this tune forever

Come on Eileen well I swear (what he means)
Ah come on, let's take off everything
That pretty red dress Eileen (tell him yes)
Ah come on Eileen