About the song
“Take Good Care of My Baby” is a timeless classic that has been delighting music lovers for generations. Written by the talented duo of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, this song was first made famous by the legendary Bobby Vee in 1961. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a staple of oldies radio stations, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of great music.
The song’s origins date back to the early 1960s, when Bobby Vee’s producer, Snuff Garrett, was searching for material for the young singer to record. Garrett was blown away by a demo of Carole King singing “Take Good Care of My Baby” and knew he had to get the song for Vee. However, he felt that the song needed an introductory verse to make it truly special. Garrett met with King and together they wrote the iconic opening verse that has become synonymous with the song.
The recording of “Take Good Care of My Baby” was a collaborative effort, featuring some of the best musicians of the time. The song’s instrumentation was provided by 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 lush backup vocals.
When “Take Good Care of My Baby” was released as a single in July 1961, it quickly became a hit, spending 15 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching the number one spot on September 18, 1961. The song’s popularity was not limited to the United States, as it also reached number one in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The song’s success was not limited to its initial release, as it continued to be a staple of oldies radio stations for decades to come. In 1972, Bobby Vee re-recorded the song as a ballad, releasing it as a single in 1973. While this version is certainly beautiful, it is the original 1961 recording that remains the most beloved and iconic.
In conclusion, “Take Good Care of My Baby” is a song that has stood the test of time, its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics continuing to delight music lovers of all ages. With its rich history and enduring popularity, this song is a true classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
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.