About the song
In the early 1960s, a young singer named Bobby Vee burst onto the music scene with a fresh, energetic sound that captivated audiences worldwide. One of his most iconic hits was “Take Good Care of My Baby,” a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The song’s origins can be traced back to Carole King, a talented songwriter who penned the original demo. When producer Snuff Garrett heard the demo, he knew he had a potential hit on his hands. However, he believed the song needed a stronger introduction to fully capture its emotional depth. Garrett met with King, and together they crafted the poignant opening verse that would become an integral part of Vee’s version.
Assembled around Vee was a stellar group 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. Sid Sharp’s string arrangements added a touch of elegance to the song, while the Johnny Mann Singers provided harmonious backing vocals.
“Take Good Care of My Baby” was released as a single in July 1961 and quickly climbed the charts. It spent 15 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, reaching the coveted number one spot and remaining there for three weeks. The song’s popularity extended beyond American shores, topping the charts in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and Vee’s emotive delivery. The opening verse sets the scene with a sense of longing and anticipation, while the chorus delivers a powerful message of love and devotion. Vee’s vocals are both tender and energetic, perfectly capturing the song’s emotional range.
“Take Good Care of My Baby” remains a beloved classic, frequently heard on oldies radio stations and enjoyed by fans of all ages. Its timeless message of love and loss continues to resonate with listeners, making it a testament to the enduring power of great music.
Video
Lyrics
My tears are falling
‘cos you’ve taken her away.
And though it really hurts me so,
there something that I got to say:
Take 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 do.
Take 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 sky.
Once upon a time
that little girl was mine.
If I had been true
I know she’d never been with you.
So 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 me.
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 me.
Take good care of my baby,
take good care of my baby,
take good care of my baby.