Voted the Best 1 Hit Wonder of the 80s...Singer HATED the Very SOUND of IT! | Professor Of Rock

Kevin Rowland and Dexy’s Midnight Runners had the greatest one hit wonder of the 80s with the catchy feel good dance ditty: Come On Eileen. For Kevin Rowland it came at a high price as his band almost split up, he was on the verge of mania and he absolutely hated the mix of the song. So much so that he refused to listen to it for 4 decades until her remixed it a few years back… Come ON Eileen was so big that the song stopped Michael Jackson from replacing himself at #1. Come On Eileen and it’s Too Rye AYE Irish Phrase put he band into heavy MTV rotation with a cool video as the lyrics and feeling came from years before when Kevin was an altar boy and was told that having sexual thoughts were shameful and dirty… He turned that repression into 1983 greatest one hitter. A bottled lightning classic.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you know every word of Bohemian Rhapsody you’ll dig this channel Make sure to subscribe below right now. A daily time machine to the 60s 70s 80s and 90s... We also have a patreon check us out there the link is in the description.
It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightning where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day or many days… Here we honor artists and bands and that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown weren’t able to sustain that success. Called by some ‘one hit wonders’, we celebrate them instead as lightening in a bottle. Today we are heading back to 1982 to take a closer look at Dexys Midnight Runners #1 hit, Come On Eileen.
Conceived by vocalist and guitarist Kevin Rowland, Dexys Midnight Runners were one of the most original and eclectic UK bands to break out in the 80s. Rowland, along with rhythm guitarist Al Archer were previously members of punk outfit the Killjoys before forming Dexys in 1978. Adding several other members to the line-up... the initial grouping was a miniature orchestra, featuring musicians on bass, drums, piano, tenor sax, alto sax, trumpet and trombone. The band took their name from the amphetamine Dexedrine, which Northern Soul fans commonly used as a recreational drug. Rowland, the undisputable band leader, fashioned the band’s image straight out of the 1973 Robert De Niro movie Mean Streets.
The result was a chic New York Italian docker ensemble. Dexys Midnight Runners scored a top 40 UK hit right off the bat with their November 1979 debut single, ‘Dance Stance’ But it was their major label follow-up ‘Geno’ that really broke them in the UK, going all the way #1 in May 1980. However, only months after the release of their debut album ‘Searching for the Young Soul Rebels,’ Kevin Rowland was facing a mutiny. Their speedy chart success notwithstanding, Rowland’s supporting cast was put off by his dictatorial leadership style. And in November 1980, five members, defected to form a new band they called The Bureau.
Then the following January, Dexy co-founder Kevin ‘Al’ Archer jumped ship as well, forming The Blue Ox Babes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Straight up, what is your pick for the GREATEST bottled lightning song of the rock era?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone. Really, it changes every once in a while for me.

[@JonathanKine]

Addicted to love . Robert Palmer

[@tonytheHAT]

Third Eye Blind , " Semi Charmed Life". Man, it's a catchy song! #earworm

[@flavellinator]

Gotta go with "My Sharona".. it ushered new wave into the 80s

[@killrmillr]

Red Rider - Lunatic Fringe

[@kodiakbearson8815]

Awesome video Adam. This song brings back some VIVID memories. I had a girl named Valerie that I was pursuing rather vigorously and I used to sing this song to her and insert her name into the lyrics. I eventually wore her down and won her heart. We of course, did not last much longer than 11 months, but wow! What wonderful memories. I recently lost my wife of 32 years Nannette to cancer on July 31st of this year. I found myself suddenly alone and lost with uncertainty. You're not going to believe what I tell you next, but I was in a local coffee house one morning recently and noticed this song playing on the shop's speakers. I got my coffee and was walking towards the door when I heard someone call my name. Lo and behold, it was Valerie. She pointed upward and asked if I remembered, I could not help but smile and nod my head. I sat down to talk and the conversation has not ended. Her eyes are still as blue as I remember and she has given me hope again. Just wanted to share that with you and the rest of the music junkies that share the love of your channel and it's uplifting content Adam. Hats off to you sir, you bring lots of joy to us, your viewers. Keep it going good sir.

[@steffengillespie4208]

Thats such an amazing story. I hope all works well, and you can sing to her for much longer.

[@ricksatterstrom7461]

That's amazing! Making the best of your circumstances is what life is about. I needed this today, thanks for that!

[@chrisbenson6683]

You are (still) much too young and clever!

[@trynsurviven2440]

I can’t imagine the 80’s without this song. We were truly living in a magical time for music back then and I’m so grateful to have experienced it.

[@gavinholt5428]

In Australia, loved this one, also Geno and Because of You (the Theme for Brushstrokes). I also liked their version of Jackie Wilson said.

[@tamaraburiak8115]

We were living in London in 82 when this came out. My daughter who was 3 at the time loved the song and learned all the words and dance steps. At the pub she would entertain everyone, up on a table singing and dancing. We just had to take her to a concert, she was in heaven.

[@toomworld]

I was 7 and doing the same! I was up on the tables singing along.

[@charleyanne]

Oh the memories of '83 & this song 💜 Being a teen in the 80's was the best!!!!

[@edryba4867]

Oh, I don’t know… it was an awful lot of fun being a Radio DJ then!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My aunt graduated high school in 1983, ushered out of her school of nuns to the soundtrack of Come On Eileen, Let’s Dance, and Beat It.

[@RBS_]

...who YOU tellin'!? ...Cheese Popcorn, "The Dukes Of Hazzard" & Record shop visits on the Daily, GOOD TIMES! ...ha-HAA!!

[@scottwallace3450]

It was pretty good being in your 20’s and early 30’s, too! I started the 80’s as a first-year med student and ended them celebrating Christmas with my new wife (married 11/18/89).

[@RBS_]

@@scottwallace3450 ....SHOW-OFF!! ...ha-HAAA!! ...jus'kiddin!! ...had me knocks in the 80's, but the MUSIC got me through to the 'Good Times'...made me who I am today...a LOUDMOUTH! ...ha-HAA!

[@scottwallace3450]

My favorite memory of “Come On, Eileen” burns in my mind like it was yesterday, even though it was forty years ago: I was less than two months from finishing medical school and on an Emergency Medicine rotation on Thursday, March 17, 1983, which, of course is St. Padraig’s Day. That day, I had an ER shift from 8 AM-6 PM and was off the next day, so, I was looking forward to running from the hospital to a bar called Muldoon’s to celebrate. When my clock radio awakened me that morning, the station was playing “Come On Eileen” and just happened to be at the “Too-rah loo-rah too-rah loo-rah ay” lyrics, and it just set the mood for the day. That moment plays in my mind all the time, especially when I hear “Come On Eileen” (and watching this video), and, of course every year on SPD.

[@llamasugar5478]

SPDs must be rough in any ER-especially in big cities. My brother was killed in an alcohol-related accident very early in the morning on 3/18/12.

[@hbofbyu1]

I still remember what song woke me up on the clock radio on significant days of my young life. "Too Hot" Cool and the Gang, "Don't Ask Me Why" Billy Joel, "Der Kommissar" - After The Fire, "A Woman Needs Love": Ray Parker Jr., "Sweet Freedom" - Michael McDonald. and many more. All clock radio awakenings.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That too-rah-loo-rah-ay is so infectious!

[@scottwallace3450]

@@llamasugar5478You raise a good point. As mentioned above, I was working the day shift, so not so busy. I am sorry to hear of your loss. SPD can be an awful day in some ways.

[@bradparnell614]

That song was a hit when I was a senior in high school. Although I liked it a lot I thought it was overplayed and didn't listen to it much for a long time. Nostalgia brought me back to it as you can't make a thorough 80s playlist without it. Now I've learned it on the ukulele and can't seem to stop playing it. It has such a fun chorus and the different parts of the song keep it interesting.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a quintessential 80s song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The song has never disappointed me. Ever. My aunt hated Total Eclipse in 1983 and I told her, “What makes this song annoying?” And she said it was simply overplayed. No matter how much I hear this song, it is still fun.

[@ruthhamilton4882]

Last song I remember from my final high school dance in May of 1983.

[@dtw63]

Adam, you said “ Quintessential” Lol. I look forward to new videos and enjoy watching ones I’ve missed. Thank you. 3 chords!

[@jakeoncall]

This song has a built-in nostalgia to it that makes me feel like I'm going back in time even though it really wasn't part of my past at all. It's amazing how this artist was able to weave that into the tapestry of his music. Kevin Roland was a true artist in that sense. I love the intro with the fiddle and banjo. It hooks you like a fish as soon as you hear it. Thanks for the story, Professor.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I am still in school right now, and I can happily say that whenever this song comes on it gives me a jolt of energy! What a great intro.

[@theOlLineRebel]

That intro was a legit traditional song. Don't know the name but some reenactors cut their own lyrics on top of it in that traditional style.

[@flavellinator]

Poor old Johnny Ray.... Legend! That's what I love about 80s music, it was so diverse and innovative, and this song is a perfect representation of that... I mean- banjos and violins combine to make a classic? Yes!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Johnnie Ray was a singer from back in the 1950s! I always thought that’s who they were referring to.

[@flavellinator]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes! What I clearly remember about this song is that when people at the dance club I frequented danced to it when it first came out, they'd all do the foot stomp jig you see on the video... Unlike the 70s when there was scripted moves (disco, the hustle, etc.), the 80s removed all the "rules" of dancing and allowed for people to move however they wanted, even if they didn't dance well (like me 😂)...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@flavellinator And the hilarious thing about it, as I discovered in Squeeze’s Tempted video, is that some folks started dancing offbeat, and I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw circumstances like that.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes, but in a Punk Rock teen way, you could catch yourself being off-rhythm, off beat, in a '80's 'campy klutz' way, then swing it back to being spot on the beat.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@carlcushmanhybels8159 I get that, some of these people might not even realize it.

[@eddiehagler6127]

I graduated high school in 1983 and that was a song I loved then. I remember listening to it on my senior trip. Loved it.. it spoke to me as a single 18 year old yearning for love

[@kittylemew]

THANK Yoooooou! I was a high school senior in 82'-83' and this song is part of the soundtrack of my life. MTV was the mind opening key that unlocked an unknown world of alternative bands like Ultravox, The Cure, Adam & the Ants, Roxy Music, Squeeze, The Specials, Altered Images, The Split Enz and so so so many more. I wish there had been a way to preserve the indie, college radio style music, separate from the mainstream pop, rock, and metal offerings that too quickly came to dominate MTV. *sniffs back tears and whipers* "i want my mtv"

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My aunt was a high school senior in 1982-1983 as well and she vividly remembers that song! If not for MTV, the 80s would have been very boring.

[@thedys70]

Meow. Come back 1982; all is forgiven...

[@EvilFinian]

This song takes me back to the 3 years I ended up living in South Africa as a 9-11 year old and the indelible memory of listening to it while having my first kiss by a pool at my friends birthday party. Even then having no idea of how to dance during the rhythm change. Great memory, thanks Dexy.

[@jeffreykress3505]

I love Come On Eileen. Not just one of the best songs of the 80s, but one of the best songs of all time.

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

"Geno" was fantastic. I was an Aussie lost in GB back then and their style was number one. Ska/punk. Too good.

[@Morphstock]

The Geno period was more "new wave soul" than ska punk. They did get their first break supporting The Specials on tour though.

[@GaScorpio38]

When asked over my life what my favorite one hit wonder of all time is, the answer has always been "Come on, Eileen"

[@Meditech509]

Yup, and Mickey is number 2.

[@RBS_]

....methinks prof. will make this, THE question O' the day..." Who is Rock's alltime One Hit Wonder?" ...there'll be some SERIOUS fightin' in the comments! ...ha-HAA!

[@Elwaves2925]

It wouldn't get the top spot for me because they weren't a one hit wonder in the UK. For me it might be Jona Lewie with Stop The Cavalry or Roachford with Cuddly Toy. At least it would if we only count 80's hits.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No kidding, David! Love Mickey too.

[@charleyanne]

*Break My Stride* by Matthew Wilder is my #1, followed by this. If course c'mon Eileen is way more popular, it's a memory from the song

[@HellcatCustoms]

I remember playing the 45 single on my record player, while playing Atari 2600. Man was that a great time to be alive!

[@Tracy_R]

I love the song back in 83. I was 20 years old and I loved how it was upbeat & it was joyful. I liked how it stopped and then the tempo build back up and you just feel the fever, it was amazing. A very cool song still love it❤

[@mattheendpod2659]

…absolutely insane they are called one hit wonders. Two brilliant albums and a string of hits in the UK.

[@dukecraig2402]

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, what a fantastic album, I consider it to be their best.

[@charliepickard7798]

Matt, just curious, how did the UK recieve the girl bands of the 80s? The GO Go's, the Bangles ect.?

[@abraham_benson_official]

Actually, they have 5 albums.

[@mattheendpod2659]

@@dukecraig2402 fantastic album.

[@mattheendpod2659]

@@abraham_benson_official two of which are fantastic 😉

[@wildbill7081]

I am a 50's thru 70's guy but Com on Eileen even got me going and now I am 71 and loved your video about Kevin Rowland and the Dexy's now its time for a Beer

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Enjoy your beer 🍺

[@johnglielmi6428]

You gotta love dude strumming that banjo like a five string guitar. he was rocking that banjo. I'll never forget that man! I was 23 and in the hospital suffering from my first kidney stone. I saw the video on MTV I only reply to this because I remember the nurses coming in my room just to hear it and they just chilled out and totally relaxed me from my pain. truly a never forget moment on a birthday in the hospital.

[@georgeedward1226]

I would would absolutely love to have been a One Hit Wonder. Especially if I still held the publishing rights to my song and had royalty checks arriving in the mail for my three to for minute contribution to pop music history. Sure beats being a "never had a hit wonder" still working a day job.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Exactly. Especially if it was COME ON EILEEN!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That would be such a delight, wouldn’t it?

[@5roundsrapid263]

I think Thomas Dolby put it best: “Yes, I’m a one hit wonder, but that’s one more than you, mate!” 😂

[@trinaq]

This is a classic One Hit Wonder, even if I can't remember all of the lyrics! 😂🤣 It's my go to karaoke song, and I always get excited as soon as the violins kick in! ❤️🎻

[@mikekaraoke]

Well as he said that was the case in the US. As in other countries was a different story!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a fun singalong and a catchy earworm. Just hooks everywhere!

[@janepearce5382]

As a brit I can remember dexys from the 80s but the buzz around come on Eileen was and still is on another level. Great song

[@alexiswaller3065]

@@janepearce5382 p

[@alexiswaller3065]

Didn't like the song then don't like it now . This one can stay in basement.

[@meesakel]

A dear friend of mine Liz, who passed many years ago, and I used to dance our butts off at The Varsity's retro night (South gates of LSU) and this was a favorite that got us hopping even after a couple hours of fevered dancing. Great memories!

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I wasn’t particularly fond of the song back in the day, but it is catchy and memorable. It’s a fascinating story you shared of how it all came together and how he was finally able to realize his vision for the album after all these years.

[@dukecraig2402]

Check out their first album Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, it can be heard in it's entirety here on KZbin along with the individual songs from it. Geno There, There My Dear Dance Stance (When it was released as a single, when the album was released it'd been re-titled as Burn It Down or something like that) It's their best album, as an American like most other's I'd only ever knew Come On Eileen, about 2 years ago I got curious about their music after seeing one post after the other from people in England raving about that album from "back in the day" and started digging around on KZbin, after hearing Searching For The Young Soul Rebels with all the horns on it I couldn't believe how good it was. Geno was a #1 hit in England in 1980 along with the other songs from that album charting there, it's really good.

[@maxaroni15]

I didn’t care for the song at first when I was younger, but my sister loved it. It's become one of my favorite 80's songs.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

@@dukecraig2402 thanks for the tip. I’ll give it a listen.

[@evankeal]

I am in the same boat, did nothing for me when it was new, but 20 years later I liked it much more.

[@sleepyhollow783]

Song was just there for me. It is catchy and all & can see why people dig it. I just never connected with it. i would rather listen to the other 90%+ of the 1980s music catalog before it. I am a rare bird. I love music, but never got into the Beatles either to the degree of most people.

[@suzettesanborn5659]

I have great memories of hearing this and singing and dancing around to this. It was repeatedly played at the skate rinks and bowling alleys! So much fun to just dance around to! Some of the best memories. I was 9 & 10 when it first come out. ✌️💚

[@ronloomis8245]

I loved this entire album. When I came out I was in the Army and stationed in Germany. I still listen to it and it brings back great memories.

[@scottbelcher9026]

Oh Professor THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! One of my all-time favorite songs and one of my all-time favorite artists!!! I too remember the first time I heard it, I thought THAT’S IT!!! I got so excited!!! The funny part is I wanted my family to hear it and the next day we drive about 3 hours away to celebrate my great grandmother’s Birthday, and I drove my family crazy switching stations in the car radio for 3 hours solid! Lol! Then wouldn’t you know, just as we pulled in, it came on the radio!!! So my family had to st there and listen to it before getting out! Lol!!! I could talk all day about Dexys… but here’s an example of Kevin’s intensity as a writer… First album, said that was it… the best he could ever do… he planned to never do another Dexys album and just write music for films and such… he would not even been known I’m America if he did that… But then new inspiration and their second album, which contained Come on Eileen, which made them world famous including in the US… Then… the third album… which was meant not to release any songs, most too long, but was his true Masterpiece album, Don’t Stand Me Down… one of the greatest albums ever… and I’m not alone( far from it) in sharing that opinion… The , 27 years before writing material he thought worthy of another Dexys title… How I ❤❤❤ Come on Eileen and Dexys Midnight Runners!!! :0)

[@reneeelias9514]

Best uplifting song. Song gives me goosebumps when the violins start. The beat is everything. Loved the video so much. I graduated high school in 83’.

[@mdduckman]

I also remember recording this off the radio - I completely agree. This is one of the greatest songs of the greatest year (for me) in pop music. It’s timeless but at the same time takes me back to that exact time in my life. I was 13 and had never heard anything as catchy. It will always be brilliant to me (as was the video) and hold a special place in my heart. The other two songs like that for me at Only The Lonely by The Motels and the cover of Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked Eyes. Love all 3!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One friend of my aunt’s remembers hearing this song in the summer of 1983 when she graduated high school. She said she was wowed by such a song and quickly became obsessed.

[@barryshafer]

I loved it when it was released. And, I still love this song. It always brings a smile too my face when I hear it.

[@BecomeConsciousNow]

Big cheer for Dexys knocking MJ off top spot. Love it!!!!!!!!

[@itsthelittlethings4702]

Loved this song as a twelve/thirteen year old. My brother and I listened and recorded this, and many other songs on his boom box(operated by batteries) when we would go out shrimp-boat trawling during the summers with our grandparents. We would be off land for two weeks at a time, so that radio was our only entertainment! We would never miss Casey Kasem's top 40.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Shrimp boat trawling sounds like tons of fun!

[@itsthelittlethings4702]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 down in southeast Louisiana. It was an adventure for sure.

[@stevebalmer111]

I’m always surprised no one used “Come on Eileen “ As a jingle for “Covid Nineteen”

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

😷😜

[@llamasugar5478]

Oh they did. I’ll see if I can find it.

[@llamasugar5478]

Found it on Sam Chaplin’s channel “COVID-19 (Come On, Eileen).”

[@stevebalmer111]

@@llamasugar5478 Thx just watched it

[@ajlenze8]

When I moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1985 as a young engineer, there was a bar in Czech Village called Ernie's Avenue Tavern. Ernie's had the greatest jukebox (with actual 45s) I've ever seen - you could pick any random songs and you'd be satisfied. The place was PACKED with people singing along - a few even stood on tables to belt out their favorites. A few years later, they replaced it with a CD jukebox, and it was never the same. I went there in the 2000s, with a buddy, and it was almost completely empty. I just looked it up online, and it's permanently closed. Beware the power of rock 'n' roll, both for the good and for the bad.

[@megryan411]

“Come On Eileen” was always a favorite of mine. It was played at my wedding and as a former Irish step dancer, I absolutely had to step dance in my wedding gown. Shoes off, it was one of my favorite moments during the reception. As a fan of the Pogues, I’ve always loved music with an Irish heart. I was 11 when the song was released in the US and it’s still a song that makes me turn up my radio as loud as I can stand. Anymore, not as loud as it used to be but this song makes me smile.

[@fjcrod]

The best one hit wonder of the 80s? Make that, one of the best songs of the 80s, period. As contagious a song as ever.

[@lisadewitte1970]

This is my all time favorite song. I was in about 5th grade when I first heard it & haven't stopped listening to it for almost 40 years.

[@billyboonevideos]

My brother was a local rock star in our town in the 1980s. The local radio station played his tune a few times. He was working with the drummer of the Dexy’s band, calling him and getting his advice from this guy. I always wondered what happened to Roland. Thanks.

[@martineldritch]

"What do you call a lady with one leg shorter than the other?" "Argh ! Sod off you muppet!" "Awe, come on Eileen, it's just a joke !"

[@HenningUhle]

It's very funny to remember that our DJ on school parties played this ditty. First you have this feel-good rhythm to dance to, and the dancefloor became full. And then? The drop with the slow-down in the middle which immediately sped up to the maximum. Haha, you saw a lot of teenagers stumbling on the floor trying to dance to this fast part. In the end, everything comes back to normal. But the crowd was very busy getting back to normal breath. This is what I always connect to "Come On Eileen". It's always one of my favorite 80s tracks. But when I listen to my wife, she always says that she hates the track. And I am sure, she had a similar experience on the dancefloor of a school party.

[@jimbeaux4988]

At first I thought "verge on dirty" was "but you're dirty". LOL. This song hit like a sledgehammer when it came out.

[@jenx5870]

Yeah, 11 yr old me heard the same thing for awhile

[@shaunw9270]

I love the record and I still have the vinyl LP which I lovingly played the hell out of 😊 I was 11 when Geno came out and I saw them on Top Of The Pops and couldn't wait for the weekend to walk down to Milton's Records (long gone😢) & buy the single £0.89 (!) . That first incarnation of the band was copied almost immediately by a band called Joboxers and a song called "Boxer Beat" and their clothes was a style that was easily absorbed into our everyday school uniform without causing alarm lol. Cheers from Bristol, England 👍

[@darlaspire2279]

This song reminds me of high school dances in the cafeteria. I can literally smell the hair spray and perfume just listening to this song. So much fun! I loved the 80s!

[@russratliff3536]

I loved this song from the first time i heard it! Johnny Ray was also the Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman. The only words i could understand was, “Poor ol Johnny Ray” and “Come on Eilene” and i would dance around and sing those parts. Many years later, i downloaded it thru my music app and read the lyrics for the first time…i love it more Thank you for covering this classic song!

[@duromusabc]

Ah yes ! I remember that song Come On Eileen in late 1982/early 1983 (I was a 5th grader back then )- cool history behind the song and the band Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Duane!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing!

[@LeeorEngelstein]

The most memorable moment about this song is that Australian radio DJ that introduced the song with “someone grab her a towel! Come on Eileen” 😂😂😂

[@thedys70]

When you could get away with such innuendo on the radio back in the 80s; these days you'd lose your job over such a broadcast...

[@uniqueone2731]

This one was a favorite of mine. I had no clue what it was about and I was not sure why I loved it so much. Watching this video made me realize that it was speeding up and slowing down that made it so catchy. I think the video helped a lot. The images and the beautiful lady. A easy song for everyone to sing along with at a party a bar etc. great video brother I love your channel.

[@scottburton9701]

Although they were one-hit wonders,Dexy's Midnight Runners created a masterpiece for the ages.

[@gillianherbert2042]

They were far from one hit wonders, Come on Eileen was their second number 1 in the UK

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

When I met Kevin in the 80's I loved this song and I took him on the west side and we had a grip of brothers singing this song and trying to do the dance 💃 !

[@davebellamy4867]

After mentioning this song on your video of Paul Young Every Time You Go Away, I looked it up and listened to it to make sure that it had the misheard lyric that's funnier to me that the one on Paul Young song.😂

[@pablosonic892]

As a recovering Catholic, I raise my goblet of rock and communion wafer to thee.

[@psykomystro]

One of my favorite songs of that year... And reflecting on my life at that time, I was really just starting to get interested in the opposite sex. The breakdown in the middle of the song and the vamp "Come on Eileen ta loo rye aye..." is my favorite part. But the blend of fiddles, banjos, with the vocal harmonies, and the look the band had, the video and the little dance they did... It all came together so nicely. Glad Kevin Rowland came around to enjoying what's probably his finest hour as an artist. We all love MJ,but it's nice to see he knows he wasn't the only significant thing in 83...Lol. 😄Good stuff PROF!!! 🤘🏼

[@Hughenn]

Geno is my favourite by far. I remember when Come on Eileen came out it was literally played everywhere all the time.

[@michaelrochester48]

They did have a moderate follow up hit called Jackie Wilson said. In the UK they had far more hits. I do remember hearing Jackie Wilson said on the radio quite a bit.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good song. I think their biggest hit there was Geno.

[@babygerald4645]

Thanks for bringing this up. I was only 9 at the time and just paying attention to music on the radio and always thought I remembered Dexy having at least one other song that got some radio play.

[@Daibenswan]

Come on Eileen is a guaranteed dance floor filler, awesome track!

[@chrisprovenzano2978]

Come on Eileen is one of the best singles of the 80’s. Thank you to MTV for putting it into constant rotation. 40 years later and it’s still going strong.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I cannot believe the song turned 40 this year!!!

[@bradforward850]

Rowland was an absolutely disgusting human being. I'm just thankful this was never my kind of music and I didn't play any part in making this guy a dime.

[@iwb316]

It's an absolute pile of rubbish and it stinks, Geno is a far superior hit song from them.

[@dxfifa]

It is a very mediocre song, and annoying

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@bradforward850 wow tell us how you really feel

[@richbauer9531]

Still has one of my favorite lines of all time “I’m gonna hum this tune forever”

[@coolnegative]

It passes the music litmus of time. Still holds up to this day.

[@BASavage81]

Adam thanks for you excellent story telling and explinations. Due to Church volunteer work from mid 1982 to late 1983 I didn't hear the song until December 1983. I loved the catchy rhythm and the excellent production of this song. After 40 years its still one of my favorite pop songs of all time.

[@conniedavis3553]

I literally just got out of my car to get gas while listening to this and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was playing at the pump and thought "Huh, that is congruent with this track" Then the comment came when I started the clip again. Nice!

[@migy5031]

What a colossal hit! It was so different to anything else out there and still managed to knock MJ off his throne - if only temporarily.

[@vividvulpe9842]

Still a very fresh sounding song today, in my opinion!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when your song is so beloved that it knocks MJ off the summit.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

I remember my daughter was in high school and as a chaperone on bus trips with the kids from band this song was playing on the radio, and the band kids were loving it!

[@theesteviefranchise458]

Dexy’s appearance on The Young Ones is how I first heard “…Eileen.”

[@thedys70]

Utter utter Bastards!!

[@dorkarama3135]

Great video, great tune. It's strange to think Dexys was a one hit wonder band in America; they had a good few hits in Europe including 'Geno'. Rick Beato recently did a top ten 80s one hit wonder video. He had this song at number 2. A -ha's 'Take On Me' was his number 1. I honestly thought 'A - ha' had more hits in America. Even a 'Madness' song was on his list. If you are not American, it's madness to think that 'Madness' was a one hit wonder band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A-Ha is not a one hit wonder. The Sun Always Shines On TV. was a hit.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A one hit wonder in my book is defined as hitting the Billboard Top 40 only once in your career. I do make exceptions for some bands, but for a-ha, I don’t. I believe they had two or three Hot 100 hits.

[@dorkarama3135]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I thought 'A - ha' had more hits in the U S, but I'm not American so I wasn't sure. I knew 'The Sun Always Shines On TV' was a big hit, I just wasn't sure if it charted in America. The youtuber I was talking about is experienced and revered, it's strange that he made such a mistake. It's worth checking out his video on the subject, though.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@dorkarama3135 The Sun Always Shines on TV peaked at #20 stateside, which surprises me since I always read online that they were one hit wonders. I love Rick Beato though.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@dorkarama3135 Rick Beato has incredible knowledge and ability to demonstrate what makes each song great that is.

[@AnthonyP73]

The dance floor would go crazy when this song would come on. The slow to fast section was fun to keep pace with

[@stephenhanft1226]

The 1980s' was filled with many one-hit-wonder songs. I agree with you, professor. Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners is also my favorite. It is such a fun, melodic song. I remember when that song hit #1 in 1983. From such a blockbuster music year like 1983, Come On Eileen was one of its standout songs and so very memorable.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure.

[@mattaiello158]

My most vivid memory of this song is roller skating to it on a a Friday night as a junior higher. I was holding hands with a girl I liked. It was spectacular

[@abraham_benson_official]

Dexys Midnight Runners is my all time favorite band! Thank you so much for posting about them! “The Celtic Soul Brothers” was my first ever record that I’ve got, and “Too-Rye-Ay” was one of the first albums I’ve ever got. I’m so excited for the remixed version coming out soon!

[@KCnLex]

What I recall is that only the sentence with Eileen was one I could decipher and it was like a jangle that I found difficult to get out of my head! My kids were babes but this is the kind of song I would dance to with them on the deck in an attempt to get them to sleep. Linda Ronstadt was their favorite but this kind of beat was one they could "rock" around and wear themselves out which I deeply appreciated.

[@theadventuresofjimmycrapol8827]

Fun Fact: Dexy's Midnight Runners' "home venue" where they got their start was the "Rum Runner" in Birmingham, the same bar where Duran Duran got their start.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Scaramouche, scaramouche, can you do the fandango? One of my favorite undeniable 80s classics! When my aunt first introduced this song to me, I thought they were singing about one of my next door neighbors, named Eileen. Of course, silly me. I was 12 years old and loved to imagine things a lot, but was surprised to learn that the Eileen in the video was someone different (Siobhan Fahey’s sister, I believe). Another 80s classic that reminds me a lot of Come On Eileen that you should cover next is Our House by Madness. Such a fun song and video, shows they are as nerdy as I am! Also released forty years ago.

[@RBS_]

....METHINKS Prof. DID do "Our House", Lady Lily, but I can't remember.....It MAY have been a "Redux" post...but this Band (& tune) INDEFINITELY needs some "Prof. Love"....

[@ProfessorofRock]

Madness is awesome. Love them.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@RBS_ I don’t recall he did a redux on that part of 1983. He definitely should in the future!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@ProfessorofRockStill going strong. Mike Barson was the key to the quality of the songs until he left for the first time in 1984.I can still recall a mega fan telling me that they would not be the same without him and he was right. One Better Day is one of their best though it charted lower than most of their other hits. Michael Cain is amazing- Cain did his part because his daughter told him to. Their drummer was in little known ( now) and underrated US band Voice Of The Beehive who had hits in Britain and released two or three excellent albums.

[@barbhowell1488]

My English grandmother's name was Eileen, I loved that song. We used it for the slideshow at her funeral.

[@hansangb]

Man, I love this song. In the club, we used to RACE to the dance floor for this song. Good times.

[@DanieVargas]

Come on Eileen has be a TOP 10 FAVORITE since I first heard it in ‘83! I admit, it took me YEARS to figure out the words to the song. Couldn’t figure out if it was their accent (couldn’t be that. I’d been watching BBC shows on public television for years) or was it because I was always jumping around my room when ever it came on the radio…. The would may never know. LOL

[@dukecraig2402]

No, couldn't have been that with me either, I grew up watching Monty Python on PBS. 👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣

[@DanieVargas]

@@dukecraig2402 I was an avid Eastenders watcher when I was younger… LOL

[@dukecraig2402]

@@DanieVargas Absolutely Fabulous, best British show since Monty Python. Those two trainwreck women were absolutely hysterical.

[@tonytheHAT]

Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU Professor for this breakdown of my pick for the BEST song of the 1980's ❤️.

[@ziweiyuan]

Although I'm an 80's kid my fondest memory of this song comes from a few years ago, when a Teens React video covered 80's music. Most of the kids knew "Come on Eileen" and all of them loved it, but not one of them could name the band. But that didn't matter...I just enjoyed watching those Gen Z kids getting into the music of my youth.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m Gen Z and I have known this song for four years and counting!

[@jasonsteverson4609]

At school, everyone loved this song. With so many anthem style hits during the eighties, this one seem to fall in that international style genre. At our small, Dallas area school, the favorite gossip about the band is that they broke up while filming the video. Dunno why or how, that's just what all the kids were saying at the time. Great vid!

[@tynebar]

One of the band got ratty and walked off set, he isn't in the 2nd half of the video. The band didn;t break up.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s an infectious earworm and an undeniable singalong!!!

[@clark7662]

Summer of 83 I was working as a life guard and the pool manager was named Eileen. It was her anthem and we all got a kick out of singing along when the song came on. We’d watch her beam every time. Good memory.

[@robertdeen8741]

Having played in my school concert and stage band, I always had a thing for bands with a horn section. Specifically Chicago and Synyrd but Ilene was a great tune. Still love it.

[@111Phoenix777]

I remember it was such a fresh sound. It was so different from everything else, and it was catchy. It had this catchy rhythm to it. Couldn't quite make out all the words, and what it was saying, but it kind of told a story.

[@chrisgullett4332]

Probably because they were drug addicts. Their band name literally is them telling you they are drug addicts. Dexys is short for Dexedrine, which is a very powerful drug, and the people that took it were called midnight runners, because it would speed them up and keep them awake all night. So they just named themselves after the drug they were fans of. Addicts are lame, but to be honest it may be the last good band name that I know of, because the name of the band was just authentic and tells you everything you need to know about the band. I remember years ago I was watching Craig Ferguson late at night and he was talking about how all modern band names are horrible, and then starts listing old band names that were great and says something like you know who has the best band name ever, and I instantly thought there is no way he is gonna say Dexys Midnight Runners, and sure enough he said it. Nonetheless they were just garbage addicts, but they did have a great band name.

[@111Phoenix777]

@@chrisgullett4332 I think drug and alcohol use and abuse has been a common theme among many musicians, bands, and artists for decades. And I'm sure many of them were addicts. I never realized though before this video that their band name was named after a drug. As I've gotten older and experienced more and more of life, I've become much less judgmental of people and much more compassionate. None of us are perfect, and we all have our addictions. Turns out people are human.

[@chrisgullett4332]

@@111Phoenix777 As I get older I simply realize addicts are just garbage people. We need to stop treating addiction as a disease, because it is not a disease, it is a choice. You see where treating addiction as a disease has gotten us, nowhere, it has made things worse. Addicts deserve zero compassion. If they wanna quit, i am fine with that, but under no circumstances and I gonna play along and pretend their addiction is a disease. This is 2022, and we know the dangers of drugs. So if you are on drugs in 2022, you're just dumb. It is no different than cigarettes, and being addicted to cigarettes is not a disease either. We know the dangers of smoking, just like we know the dangers of drugs. If you chose to start doing drugs, then I have no remorse for you. Drug addicts are absolutely lame, period.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Most important of all, it’s packed with joy and fun!

[@thomasdematteo2281]

Honestly I like the song better before I knew what the lyrics were but no song provided more sunshine and just joy and happiness I love the acoustic sound of it it just came out in the 80s and it pierced through everything it was different than the electronics synthesizer sounds coming everywhere

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song is an example of why I love diversity in music.

[@Big_Tex]

I always associate this song with the arcade game Joust. I’m pretty sure I remember the song playing on the loudspeaker as I was in an arcade playing the game, stuck with me all this time. Or maybe it’s just a case of conflating old memories 🤣

[@littlecatfeet9064]

I suspected the band name had something to do with Northern Soul but I didn’t know how much. I also didn’t know how many band members came and went. Once again, a great video!

[@Prospertxre]

What I’m always amazed about with this channel is the depth in which she delves into something that I never really gave much thought to. Sure I remember come on Eileen, it was a good song then it’s a good song now. But I never paid attention to the lyrics nor did I care honestly. But it’s interesting to hear the background and the actual meaning of the song which gives it far more depth than I ever gave it credit.

[@bobvylan7215]

Makes me think of the roller skating rink.

[@kyliepollert8341]

Because of its consistent beat change towards the end and high vocals in the "Too ra, too ra ay" section, I know several have mistakenly thought this was Queen, which it isn't. Not even close, since Queen had such a distinctive sound!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wonder what it would sound like if Queen recorded this song. I’m truly curious!

[@kyliepollert8341]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm sure it'd sound completely different than the original, with Brian May and Freddie dueling each other on guitar and vocals, respectively. It wouldn't sound Irish/Celtic, I know that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@kyliepollert8341 It’d probably sound like a mix of Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Don’t Stop Me Now. I don’t know, it’s my best guess.

[@BillGraper]

One of the many one-hit wonders whose hit went all the way to #1. 😎

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Lightning in a bottle indeed.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Lightning in a bottle indeed.

[@tabcat3752]

I look forward to all you're podcasts Reminds me of the old days getting a new LP turning on stereo and appreciating what my ears are going to hear

[@stevew6910]

Its amazing how a song can bring back so many great memories, I was 13 at the time,,,

[@DukesMusic84]

Come On Eileen got that loud-quiet-loud section like Shout, when it hits the whole dance floor be wildin'

[@RunningWithScissors765]

I love it when they criticize it while driving on preacher…… then they all are singing it 😂

[@SB-ez3dw]

I was a teen in the 80’s and I never understood what the songs meant because I couldn’t make out half of what they were saying. There was no internet to loom up lyrics and if you couldn’t afford album (or there were no liner notes) it was just you and the radio, trying to figure out what the words.

[@deanrobert9953]

Others may have said the same thing... I wasn't blown away by the song back in the day. It was popular & on the radio and all that... but not in my collection. Yet the years and decades have gone by and the day came when both my headphones and Come On Eileen were on. Hey! Sounds more energetic, fresh and fun to me now than it did back then. Perhaps 'modern' music has got me down... again... Cheers POR. Nice episode.

[@vincentcolson7963]

Got me again with another song I enjoyed to myself and never let on to my heavy metal buddies. Sad part is I could not make out all the words but loved the feel of the song, would not buy the album because friends would have beat on me. So no liner to read lyrics and as you know, we didn't have internet back then . From this post I learn not only does the music feel good to me but lyrics from his Catholic past being same as mine growing up hit the nail on head. Now I love the song even more !

[@charliebruckman8661]

Those wheels look SO MUCH BETTER on the Mustang. But you know me, Charlie the Impala guy patiently waiting to see what the Auto Spa has done to make her sparkle.

[@davebellamy4867]

1:38 My pal had a great misheard lyric on this one: "Come on Eileen, oh I swear, 'Bugger me.'c🤣👍

[@Bacchus69]

I've always wanted to get a bunch of my friends and dress up like the Dexys Midnight Runners for Halloween.

[@Atis602]

Finally came across this discussion a year after it was posted. I remember loving this song when it came out and recently had a renewed interest when a theater local to me announced that Dexy's would be playing there. I immediately bought tickets and was looking forward to hearing their new work on Feminine Devine. A few weeks later a notice came that their US tour was cancelled without too much explanation. I can only hope all is well with the band and members and that they'll come around and I'll get another chance. If they do make it here I'll be at the show.

[@Morphstock]

I know a lot of UK bands have a lot of difficulty getting into the US tour unless they are the top tier internationally famous acts. US Immigration seem to make it as difficult as possible to get visas. This has even been taken to Parliament in the UK as it is a very one sided problem affecting UK musicians , US acts can tour the UK much more easily. I hope Dexys get over there in the near future so that you can get to see them, I saw them last year and they were great.

[@brenturquhart7090]

I vividly remember this song coming out in 83. Which was saying a lot since many considered it to be the best year for music in the eighties. It seemed like it was being played on every radio station at the same time. Seriously, I remembered once that it was being played on four stations at the same time. We were in the car and I remembered my dad complaining about it while he was searching for anything but it during a road trip. I also remember a girl in school who had the same name. I’m pretty sure it got really old quick.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was just an EXPLOSION of pop culture during that year, and the first that I consider to be fully 80s.

[@Deborahtunes]

Personally, I always felt 1981 was the best year for music during the decade. As for this song, I agree with your father. I hated it than, and still do now...

[@brenturquhart7090]

@@Deborahtunes for me 83 was a monumental year for me. I turned 15 that summer and it was a coming of age summer. First love, summer job, more freedom etc etc etc, this is why to me it was the best year. I understand that the reason I choose this year above all other is based on personal experience, but isn’t true with everything, especially music. So there’s no reason to get a bit rude about it, I respect your choices, so it’s only fair to respect mine.

[@Deborahtunes]

@@brenturquhart7090 ~ I simply said I agreed with your father, that I hated this song. And that I feel '81 was a better year for that decade of music. How is that being rude?

[@brenturquhart7090]

@@Deborahtunes maybe I misunderstood your tone, and for that I beg your pardon. Have a good night.