Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners

This classic track was released on 29 June 1982 and was the second number one hit for the band, after 1980's "Geno".  It was the best selling song in the UK in 1982.  The song was from the album Too-Rye-Ay.  It was written by the lead singer of the band, Kevin Rowland plus fellow band members Jim Patterson and Billy Adams.

The album and this track was a big departure from their former sound and had a big celtic influence, with lots of fiddles.

The album is about a girl that Kevin knew when he was 13.  The lyrics must be the most mis-sung in history as they are hard to hear clearly, but the song is basically about the transition from child to adult and specifically about Kevin trying to convince Eileen to have sex with him.

The song references right at the start the 50's (and very popular at the time) Johnny Ray, who had a thing about crying on stage as he sang.

Poor old Johnny Ray
Sounded sad upon the radio
Moved a million hearts in mono
Our mothers cried
Sang along, who'd blame them
Now you're grown, so grown, now I must say more than ever
Go toora loora toora loo rye aye
And we can sing just like our fathers

I have been told by my mother that it was incredibly common for men in pubs (bars, Americans) to basically take turns having a sing stood on a box on a Saturday night.

The girl in the video that Kevin puts his arm round was Máire Fahey, sister of Siobhan Fahey, former singer with Bananarama and Shakespears Sister.  The dance that they perform in the video was very popular at the time.  In particular, this was (and still is) a classic Wedding Song, a song they would play in the and since the 80's to really get people up on the dancefloor (right before "The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz!!  I'll admit I have attempted this dance myself after a few drinks - would have looked horrible!

The band never achieved anything like as much success again, but what a hit to have!

There is quite a popular cover that has been featured loads on Coverville by Save Ferris, who of course were named after the movie character in Ferris Buellers Day Off.