About the song
In the summer of 1961, a young singer named Bobby Vee burst onto the music scene with a song that would become his signature tune and a timeless classic: “Take Good Care of My Baby.” This infectious pop anthem, with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, captured the hearts of listeners around the world and remains a beloved favorite to this day.
The story behind “Take Good Care of My Baby” is as interesting as the song itself. While searching for new material for Bobby Vee to record, his producer, Snuff Garrett, heard a demo of Carole King singing the song. Garrett was immediately impressed by the tune and its potential, but he felt that it needed an introductory verse to give it more depth and impact. He approached Carole King, and together they crafted the opening verse that would become such a memorable part of the song.
The recording of “Take Good Care of My Baby” featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including Barney Kessel, Tommy Allsup, and Howard Roberts on guitar, Clifford Hills on bass, Robert Florence on piano, and Earl Palmer on drums. The Johnny Mann Singers provided the backing vocals, adding their signature harmonies to the mix.
When Bobby Vee released “Take Good Care of My Baby” as a single in July 1961, it quickly became a sensation. The song spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching the coveted number one spot in September. It also topped the charts in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, cementing its status as an international hit.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal. The lyrics, expressing a young man’s love and devotion to his girlfriend, resonate with listeners of all ages. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to sing along. And the heartfelt performance by Bobby Vee adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion.
“Take Good Care of My Baby” remains a staple of oldies radio stations and continues to be enjoyed by new generations of music fans. It is a testament to the power of great songwriting and the enduring appeal of classic pop music.
Video
Lyrics
My tears are falling
‘Cause you’ve taken her away
And though it really hurts me so
There’s something that I gotta sayTake good care of my baby
Please, don’t ever make her blue
Just tell her that you love her
Make sure you’re thinking of her
In everything you say and doTake good care of my baby
Now don’t you ever make her cry
Just let your love surround her
Paint rainbows all around her
Don’t let her see the cloudy skyOnce upon a time
That little girl was mine
If I had been true
I know she’d never been with youSo take good care of my baby
Be just as kind as you can be
And if you should discover
That you don’t really love her
Just send my baby back home to meWell, take good care of my baby
Be just as kind as you can be
And if you should discover
That you don’t really love her
Just send my baby back home to meTake good care of my baby
Well, take good care of my baby
Take good care of my baby
