Billboard #1 Hits: #531: ‘Come On Eileen’- Dexys Midnight Runners. April 23, 1983. #1 for 1 week in Billboard Hot 100.
- Single: ‘Come On Eileen’- Dexys Midnight Runners
- Record Company- Mercury
- Genre: Pop, Rock, Celtic Folk
- Written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson and Billy Adams
- Time: 4:12
- B-side:’ Let’s Make This Precious’
- Album-Too-Rye-Ay
- Grade: A+
- Peaked at #1 1 week in Billboard Hot 100. #1 in UK Singles Chart, #1 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland.
I remember when I first heard this single- it sounded pretty foreign to Top 40 radio at the time- but in a great way. As far as the song goes- while many thought Kevin Rowland was writing about his real experiences- he wasn’t- there was no Eileen-she was a composite-to make a point about Catholic repression.
“Come On Eileen’- followed ‘Billie Jean” at #1 and was followed by another big #1 hit from Michael Jackson’ Beat It.’
Dexys Midnight Runners would qualify as a one -hit wonder in the United States- this single from their second album was their only hit in the states. The band is still active- their most recent album was released in 2016.
slicethelife 
Great track! Love the build up during the verses, and the tempo changes after the second chorus.
*digs out dungarees from way way back in wardrobe*
🙂
Their one hit wonder…
This was one of my favorite tracks of the 80s on popular radio. It was so different than anything else.
I love this song too.
i just remember at the time- it sounded so different than anything else on the radio.
Yes, that jaunty melody made it sound like an old Irish folk tune. Same as with Men At Work’s “Down Under”.