On Eileen (single Edit) - Come
The Official Music Video , directed by Julien Temple , was filmed in Kennington, London and features the band in their iconic denim dungarees and fingerless gloves—a look that defined the "Too-Rye-Ay" era.
The opening lines reference Johnnie Ray , a 1950s singer known for his emotional delivery, contrasting the "mono" sadness of the past with the narrator's urgent present. Legacy & Cultural Impact
Originally titled "James, Van and Me" as a tribute to James Brown and Van Morrison , the chorus was later changed to center on the fictional Eileen. Come On Eileen (Single Edit)
Experience the iconic 'Celtic soul' sound and high-energy accelerando of the official single edit: Come On Eileen (Single Edit) Dexys Midnight Runners - Topic YouTube• Jun 26, 2025
"" by Dexys Midnight Runners (credited as Dexys Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express ) is a cornerstone of 1980s pop, reaching number one in both the UK and the US following its release in June 1982 . The Single Edit , typically clocking in around 3:25 to 4:12 depending on the region and digital platform, streamlines the sprawling, folk-infused energy of the full album version from Too-Rye-Ay . Production & Musicality The Official Music Video , directed by Julien
It was Britain's best-selling single of 1982 and won Best British Single at the 1983 Brit Awards.
Are you interested in the or more details on the Too-Rye-Ay album ? Come On Eileen - Single Edit - Spotify Experience the iconic 'Celtic soul' sound and high-energy
Despite long-standing speculation, Rowland has often stated that Eileen was a "composite" character created to highlight the narrator's desire to escape a "beaten down" existence.