Come On Eileen

The song 'Come On Eileen' by Dexy's Midnight Runners is a vibrant and nostalgic anthem that captures the essence of youthful rebellion and romantic desire. The opening lines reference Johnny Ray, a popular singer from the 1950s, whose music evoked emotional responses from the listeners, including the mothers of the song's protagonists. This sets the stage for a generational connection, suggesting a continuity of emotional expression through music.

The chorus, with its infectious 'Toora loora toora loo-rye aye,' is a playful and somewhat nonsensical refrain that evokes a sense of carefree joy and cultural identity. The song's protagonist urges Eileen to embrace the moment, to feel the music just like their fathers did, and to break free from the constraints of their environment. The repeated plea 'Come on Eileen' is both a call to dance and a deeper invitation to break away from the bleakness that surrounds them, symbolized by the 'beaten down eyes' and 'smoke dried faces' of the people around them.

The romantic tension in the song is palpable as the singer confesses his thoughts about Eileen in her dress, which 'verge on dirty.' This line, coupled with the energetic melody, captures the intensity of youthful lust and the longing for connection. The song's bridge, with its change in tempo and reflective mood, suggests a coming of age and a realization that things have changed. The repeated affirmations of the moment's significance and Eileen's importance to the singer underscore the song's theme of seizing the day and the transformative power of love and music.