On this day April 23, 1983, Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song held the top spot through April 29 and also hit number 1 in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
With its instantly recognizable fiddle hook, layered vocals, and tempo shifts, the track became one of the most memorable hits of the 80s. The song combined elements of Celtic folk and soul and was driven by a passionate vocal from frontman Kevin Rowland. Though the band had other hits in the UK, Come on Eileen was their only major success in the United States. Its music video, featuring the band in overalls dancing in the streets, became a staple on MTV and helped solidify the song as a one hit wonder classic in American pop culture.
Fun fact: The girl named Eileen in the song was inspired by a real girl from Kevin Rowland’s teenage years, though the lyrics were not entirely autobiographical.
Trivia question: What instrument was prominently featured in Come on Eileen and helped define its unique folk pop sound?
With its instantly recognizable fiddle hook, layered vocals, and tempo shifts, the track became one of the most memorable hits of the 80s. The song combined elements of Celtic folk and soul and was driven by a passionate vocal from frontman Kevin Rowland. Though the band had other hits in the UK, Come on Eileen was their only major success in the United States. Its music video, featuring the band in overalls dancing in the streets, became a staple on MTV and helped solidify the song as a one hit wonder classic in American pop culture.
Fun fact: The girl named Eileen in the song was inspired by a real girl from Kevin Rowland’s teenage years, though the lyrics were not entirely autobiographical.
Trivia question: What instrument was prominently featured in Come on Eileen and helped define its unique folk pop sound?
