Shireen – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Come on Eileen by Dexys. Midnight Runners. Re-imagined what it might sound like as if done by Bob Dylan.

(Verse 1)

Well, in this town of troubadours,

Where the streets echo with folk lore,

There’s a girl named Shireen,

With a twirl and a sheen,

Dancin’ through the moonlit core.

(Chorus)

Come down Shireen, don’t be so mean,

In this raggedy town, where the streetlights gleam,

With your eyes so keen, like a magazine,

Come down Shireen, dance into my dream.

(Verse 2)

She wears her hair like a hurricane,

In a world where things ain’t the same,

On the corner of Main and Vine,

In the rhythm of the rain,

Shireen’s lost in a world so insane.

(Chorus)

Come down Shireen, don’t be so mean,

In this raggedy town, where the streetlights gleam,

With your eyes so keen, like a magazine,

Come down Shireen, dance into my dream.

(Bridge)

Young man on the corner with a harmonica,

Blowin’ tunes for Shirleen, just like a magic wand,

And the moonlight serenades, a symphony grand,

As Shireen twirls in a trance, to the songs unplanned.

(Verse 3)

The night is alive with a mystic hue,

His lyrics whisperin’, “How does it feel to be you?”

Shireen’s feet tap the cobblestone,

In a dance, only the moon has known,

In the shadows where the stories are sewn.

(Chorus)

Come down Shireen, don’t be so mean,

In this raggedy town, where the streetlights gleam,

With your eyes so keen, like a magazine,

Come down Shireen, dance into the dream.

(Outro)

As the night winds down, Shireen takes a bow,

Sound man fades away, like a ghost somehow,

In this tale of a town, where dreams are serene,

Come down Shireen, keep dancing, keep the scene.

Artist Statement: 

“Shireen” is a folk-inspired song that draws heavily from the stylistic elements of artists like Bob Dylan and Dexys Midnight Runners. Through its narrative-driven lyrics and simple yet effective musical arrangement, the song creates a picture of a mysterious girl named Shireen and the enchanting atmosphere of a small town.

Melody and Harmony:

The melody is characterized by its folk-inspired simplicity. It employs a straightforward chord progression typical of folk music, allowing the focus to remain on the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. The harmonic structure follows a standard folk pattern, primarily utilizing basic chords such as major and minor triads. This simplicity contributes to the nostalgic and timeless quality of the song, reminiscent of traditional folk ballads.

Lyrics and Theme:

The lyrics serve as the focal point of the song, painting a story of Shireen, the town she inhabits and the viewer who is clearly infatuated with her, but never connects with her. The imagery employed throughout the verses evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, with Shireen depicted as a figure of fascination and allure. The repeated refrain serves as both a plea and an invitation, emphasizing the desire to connect with her elusive presence. Themes of longing, escapism, and the search for meaning are prevalent, resonating with the folk tradition of storytelling and introspection.

Instrumentation and Arrangement:

The instrumentation is rooted in folk and Americana influences, featuring acoustic guitar as the primary instrument. The use of a harmonica adds a touch of authenticity and nostalgia, reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s iconic sound. The arrangement is kept minimalistic, allowing the lyrics to take center stage while still providing a subtle backdrop of instrumentation to support the storytelling. The dynamics of the song ebb and flow, mirroring the emotional journey conveyed in the lyrics.

Vocal Delivery and Performance:

The vocal delivery is characterized by its rawness and sincerity, drawing from the folk tradition of storytelling through song. The vocals are delivered with a distinctively Dylan-esque cadence, emphasizing the poetic nature of the lyrics. There is a sense of urgency and longing in the vocal performance, reflecting the protagonist’s yearning to connect with Shireen and escape the confines of their surroundings.