Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
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Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Geno” is an exuberant tribute to American soul singer Geno Washington, whose electrifying performances in Britain during the 1960s left a lasting impression on the group’s frontman, Kevin Rowland. Released in 1980, the song helped establish the band’s distinctive identity, blending Northern soul influences with a raw, energetic approach to British pop.
Written by Rowland and guitarist Kevin Archer, “Geno” recalls the excitement of seeing Washington perform live, celebrating the powerful connection between an artist and an audience. Rather than offering a conventional biography, the lyrics capture the atmosphere and intensity of those musical experiences, with Washington presented as an inspirational figure whose performances made a lasting impression.
The recording is driven by a punchy rhythm section, prominent brass and an insistent vocal delivery from Rowland. The arrangement draws heavily on the spirit of classic soul, while retaining the rough-edged character that distinguished Dexy’s Midnight Runners from many of their contemporaries. Its infectious energy is matched by a strong sense of authenticity, reflecting Rowland’s deep affection for the music that shaped him.
“Geno” also established an important theme in the band’s career: the idea that music could be both a personal passion and a source of collective identity. With its memorable refrain and spirited performance, the song remains one of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ defining recordings and a heartfelt celebration of the enduring influence of soul music.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 3rd May 1980.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Geno (3:27) (Rowland, Archer) Produced By Pete Wingfield |
| B-Side | Breakin’ Down The Walls Of Heartache (3:23) (Linzer, Randell) Produced By Pete Wingfield |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 29th March 1980 – 14th June 1980 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Geno (Single Version) (3:27)
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OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Geno! Geno! Geno! Geno! Geno! …
Back in ’68 in a sweaty club
Oh, Geno
Before Jimmy’s Machine and The Rocksteady Rub
Oh, Geno
On a night when flowers didn’t suit my shoes
After a week of flunkin’ and bunkin’ school
With the lowest head in the crowd that night
Just practicin’ steps and keepin’ outta the fights
Academic inspiration, you gave me none
But you were Michael the lover, the fighter that won
But now just look at me as I’m looking down at you
No, I’m not bein’ flash, it’s what I’m built to do
That man took the stage, his towel was swingin’ high
Oh, Geno
This man was my bombers, my Dexy’s, my high
Oh, Geno
The crowd they all hailed you and chanted your name
But they never knew like we knew me and you were the same
And now you’re all over, your song is so tame, brrrrr
You fed me, you bred me, I’ll remember your name
Academic inspiration, you gave me none
But you were Michael the lover, the fighter that won
But now just look at me as I’m looking down at you
No, I’m not bein’ flash, it’s what I’m built to do
Oh Geno, woah Geno
Oh Geno, woah Geno
Written By Rowland, Archer
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