About the song
“Rubber Ball” is a notable early hit from 1961 by Bobby Vee, released under Liberty Records. This track played a crucial role in establishing Vee as an international star. The song was recorded on August 12, 1960, during a productive three-hour session at United Recording Studios in Hollywood. The session was produced by Thomas “Snuff” Garrett and arranged by Ernie Freeman, with veteran session drummer Earl Palmer providing the rhythm.
“Rubber Ball” was co-written by Gene Pitney and Aaron Schroeder. Interestingly, Gene Pitney used his mother’s maiden name, Orlowski, as part of the songwriting credits. This record also marked a significant moment for Vee, as it was his first time using overdubbing to enhance his vocal performance.
The song achieved impressive chart success. In the United States, “Rubber Ball” was Vee’s fifth single release, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also made a substantial impact internationally. In the United Kingdom and Canada, “Rubber Ball” climbed to number 4 on the charts. Notably, in Australia, it became Vee’s only number 1 record, where it held the top position for three weeks in early 1961.
“Rubber Ball” remains a defining song in Bobby Vee’s career, capturing the energy and charm of early 1960s pop music and showcasing Vee’s rise to international fame.
Video
Lyrics
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
I’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 you
If 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 you
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 you
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 yo
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball