About the song
“Take Good Care of My Baby,” a timeless classic written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, gained widespread fame through the heartfelt rendition by Bobby Vee in 1961. The song’s journey to prominence began when Vee’s producer, Snuff Garrett, discovered a demo of Carole King performing the song. Recognizing its potential, Garrett sought to enhance the track by adding an introductory verse, which was collaboratively penned with Carole King herself.
Released as a single on July 20, 1961, Bobby Vee’s version of “Take Good Care of My Baby” swiftly captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Backed by a talented ensemble including musicians like Barney Kessel, Tommy Allsup, and Howard Roberts, and featuring the lush string arrangements by Sid Sharp, the song showcased Vee’s emotive vocals accompanied by the harmonies of the Johnny Mann Singers. This meticulously crafted production contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and success.
On September 18, 1961, “Take Good Care of My Baby” ascended to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three consecutive weeks. Its chart-topping success extended internationally, reaching number one in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, solidifying its status as a global hit.
The song’s popularity was further underscored by its rankings on year-end charts, including Billboard’s “Hot 100 for 1961 – Top Sides of the Year” at number 12 and Cash Box’s “Top 100 Chart Hits of 1961” at number 23. As a result of its enduring appeal, “Take Good Care of My Baby” continues to be celebrated as a quintessential example of early 1960s pop music, maintaining a presence on oldies radio stations and in the hearts of nostalgic listeners.
Bobby Vee revisited the song in 1972, recording a ballad version under his real name, Robert Thomas Velline, for his album *Ain’t Nothing Like a Sunny Day*. Despite subsequent interpretations, it is the original recording by Bobby Vee that remains cherished, alongside other classic renditions by artists like Bobby Vinton. “Take Good Care of My Baby” stands as a poignant reminder of the era’s musical charm and Bobby Vee’s enduring legacy as an interpreter of timeless melodies.
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.