This has to be one of my all time favorite 80s songs without a doubt. Didn't think I would ever get tired of listening to it, and well, I'm not! Yup -- just listened to it again and watched the video. When it came out in 1982, it was basically magical. It put you into the crazy upbeat trance of hopping around, dancing a jig. For young folks in the U.S. at the time, it was just such an amazing and different song. Had a very catchy chorus, but I don't think I really understood any of the other lyrics. I looked them up a few years ago just out of curiosity. I think we all know the story. The lead singer and Eileen were childhood friends, and he starts to notice her growing up and is drawn to her in a different way. Now it's more of a girlfriend/boyfriend thing, and he's pretty much lusting after her. With her in that dress, his thoughts verge on dirty. Yeah, no big deal. SO many people have written their thoughts on this song, but you know, it's just a good song! I really enjoy the strings in it. I mean, what other Top 40 song has banjo in it? And, I never realized until tonight that the video opens with a woman playing violin -- although it's really more of a fiddle (same instrument, different technique). Just captivating and very intriguing for us on this side of the Atlantic. Thank goodness for MTV in this case -- it really helped bring "hands across the sea" and a sharing of cultures. I also think it spawned a huge outbreak of fever for "overalls." Yup, I had them. I remember wearing them all through middle school because they were so cool. Everyone in this band wears them. I think Eileen is wearing them without a shirt underneath, which we would never be brave enough to do over here. So, cheers to you, Eileen! Thank you for inspiring this song -- whether or not you really exist.
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