Celtic Soul Brothers

Kevin Rowland, Dexys Midnight Runners

About Celtic Soul Brothers

"The Celtic Soul Brothers" (known as "The Celtic Soul Brothers (More Please)" on the album version) is a song written by Mickey Billingham, Jimmy Paterson and Kevin Rowland of Dexys Midnight Runners that was first released by the band in March 1982 as a single and was also the first song on the band's 1982 album Too-Rye-Ay. It reached #45 in the UK on its initial release, and #20 in the UK and #86 in the US when re-released in March 1983. The song also reached #13 on the Irish charts. "The Celtic Soul Brothers" was the first song recorded and released by the revamped Dexys Midnight Runners' lineup, which added fiddle players Helen O'Hara, Steve Brennan and Roger MacDuff and bassist Giorgio Kilkenny. Reflecting the revised lineup, the song's instruments feature mandolins and violins rather than the horn fanfares featured in the group's earlier work. The song was inspired by 1960s soul music, and coauthor Billingham has stated that The Whispers' song "Needle in a Haystack" was a particular influence, accounting for "The Celtic Soul Brothers'" unusual melody. Coauthor and Dexys Midnight Runners' lead singer Rowland has stated that the song was about him and Dexys' trombone player Paterson; Rowland being Irish and Paterson being Scottish. Rowland also stated the song expresses his devotion to the band. Author Richard White calls the song "a stand aside, effervescent statement." Critic Ned Raggett of Allmusic referred to the song as a highlight of Too-Rye-Ay. Ira Robbins of Trouser Press refers to the song as "jolly, rollicking jug band fare." Author Simon Reynolds called the song "a manifesto of a single." Julie Burchill of New Musical Express remarked that although the song is intended to sound ethnically Celtic, it sounds more like a "Redcoat romp." Author Maury Dean claims that this song was an inspiration for Roddy Doyle's 1987 novel The Commitments, which was later made into a 1991 film by the same title."The Celtic Soul Brothers" was included on the soundtrack of the 1983 movie Breathless starring Richard Gere. When the band appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live after the release of "Come On Eileen", this song was their second-half performance. It has also been included on a number of Dexys Midnight Runners' compilation albums, including The Very Best of Dexys Midnight Runners, Because of You, Let's Make This Precious: The Best of Dexys Midnight Runners and 20th Century Masters: The Best of Dexy's Midnight Runners. A live version of the song, recorded shortly after the single release, is included on BBC Radio One Live in Concert. 


Year:
1993
70 
#2

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More please and thank you
Introducing the Celtic Soul Brothers and featuring the strong devoted,
Ladies and gentlemen, would you now please take your leave.
Because we've sat back looking and nearly been took,
Even been scared but now I don't care and I'm telling anyone who'll listen.
I've seen what's on show and now there's no more to know
'cause I've been there, 
I've been seen there, 
I've seemed it, dreamed it,
Beened it, schemed it.
Excuse me please, you're standing in my space,
So step aside, now your time's up.
Come on my friends, I would now like to propose a toast
To the strength I see that's surrounding me and those who've cared,
Oh yes, I've been scared and I'm telling anyone who'll listen
I've seen what's on show and now there's no more to know, 
Oh I've been there, 
I've seen there, 
I've seemed it, dreamed it,
Schemed it.
You see I know this to be true,
Now would I lie to you?
And I'm not waiting for approval from you
We're coming through.
More please and thank you.

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Dexys Midnight Runners

Dexys Midnight Runners (currently called Dexys) are an English pop group with soul influences, who achieved their major success in the early to mid 1980s. They are best known for their songs "Come On Eileen" and "Geno", both of which went No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. more »

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Written by: JAMES PATERSON, KEVIN ROWLAND

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Release Date
"Celtic Soul Brothers" by the Dexys Midnight Runners came out in 1982.
Album Details
The song is the opening track for their second studio album “Too-Rye-Ay.”
Chart Performances
Upon its first release in March 1982, it peaked at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart, but was reissued in 1983 where it then climbed up to reach the Top 20, following the worldwide success of "Come on Eileen."
Musical Style
"Celtic Soul Brothers" includes a distinctive mix of pop music with elements of Celtic folk and soul music, creating a unique sound that the band is known for.
Band's Signature Style
The title "Celtic Soul Brothers" reflects the band's respect for Irish and Celtic musical traditions and elements, as well as American soul music, both of which are combined in much of their work.
The Band's Lineup
Unlike many of Dexys Midnight Runners' songs, "Celtic Soul Brothers" featured a strong brass section comprised of Big Jimmy Paterson, Paul Speare, and Brian Maurice.
Lyrical Theme
The song’s lyrics offer an insight into the band’s working practices, influences, and aspirational nature.
Music Video
The music video for "Celtic Soul Brothers" is notable for its use of sign language, with the band members signing the song's chorus, reflecting their unique and creative approach to music videos.
Song Title
The full title of the song is "The Celtic Soul Brothers (More Please! Thank You!)."
Reissues and Cover Versions
"Celtic Soul Brothers" has been covered by several artists and it was reissued in 2000 on the compilation album "Let's Make This Precious: The Best of Dexys Midnight Runners."
Critical Recognition
The song is often noted as one of Dexys Midnight Runners' most underappreciated tracks, despite its significant artistic merit and unique blend of musical styles.
Conception and Writing
"Celtic Soul Brothers" is credited to be written by the band members Kevin Rowland, Mickey Billingham and Jimmy Paterson.
Band's Transformation
The album “Too-Rye-Ay,” where "Celtic Soul Brothers" featured, marked a transformation in the band's sound from the punk-adjacent soul sound of their debut to a more pop-oriented sound with stronger folk influences.
Heavy Radio Play
Despite not charting highly at first, the track received heavy radio play due to its catchy tune, making "Celtic Soul Brothers" one of Dexys Midnight Runners' most recognized songs.

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