Bobby Vee, Pop Idol Known for 'Take Good Care of My Baby,' Dies at 73 - The New York Times

About the Song

The Story Behind the Song:

Written by Gene Pitney and Aaron Schroeder, “Rubber Ball” became one of Bobby Vee’s signature songs, catapulting him to stardom in the early 1960s. The song’s lively tempo and playful lyrics resonated with audiences, earning it widespread popularity and cementing its place as a classic of the era. With its irresistible charm and youthful exuberance, “Rubber Ball” remains a favorite among fans of rock and pop music from the 1960s.

Bobby Vee: Teen Idol Turned Musical Icon:

Born Robert Thomas Velline, Bobby Vee rose to fame as a teen idol in the early 1960s, scoring numerous hits on the charts with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. “Rubber Ball” showcased Vee’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to infuse even the most lighthearted songs with depth and emotion. His enduring popularity and musical talent earned him a dedicated following and secured his legacy as one of the era’s most beloved performers.

Legacy and Impact:

“Rubber Ball” continues to delight listeners, serving as a timeless reminder of the innocence and joy of youth. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and appearances in films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its place in popular culture. As a musical playground of fun and nostalgia, “Rubber Ball” stands as a testament to Bobby Vee’s lasting impact on the world of music and the enduring appeal of his playful anthem.Bobby Vee: 1960s pop singer dies aged 73 - BBC News

Video

Lyrics: Rubber Ball

Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Hoo-ah-ooh-oohI’m like a – rubber ball, baby that’s all
That I am to you (bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)
Just a rubber ball ’cause you think you
Can be true to two (bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)
You bounce my heart around (you don’t even put her down)
And like a rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to youIf you – stretch my love till it’s thin enough to tear
I’ll just stretch my arms to reach you anywhere
And like a
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to youYou bounce my heart around (you don’t even put her down)
And like a rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Hoo-ah-ooh-ooh
Bouncy, bouncy… bouncy, bouncy
Bouncy, bouncy… bouncy, bouncy
Eee-ah-eee-eeeYou bounce my heart around (you don’t even put her down)
And like a rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Ah-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(Bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)
(Bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)

I’m like a rubber band
When on my shoulder you do tap
(Bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)
Just a rubber band
Because my heartstrings, they just snap
(Bouncy, bouncy) (bouncy, bouncy)
You go and squeeze me till I’m all aflame
(She calls you by some other guy’s name)
But like a rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you

 

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Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.