About the song
“Rubber Ball” is a significant song in the career of Bobby Vee, marking his rise to international fame in early 1961. Released under Liberty Records, this upbeat track was recorded on August 12, 1960, at United Recorders in Hollywood. The recording session, which lasted only three hours, was led by producer Thomas “Snuff” Garrett and arranged by Ernie Freeman. The song was co-written by Gene Pitney and Aaron Schroeder, with Pitney using his mother’s maiden name, Orlowski, as part of the songwriting credits.
This song was notable for its innovative use of overdubbing Vee’s second vocal, a technique that added depth to the recording. Earl Palmer, a respected session drummer, contributed his skills to the track, helping create its distinctive sound.
“Rubber Ball” achieved notable chart success. It was Bobby Vee’s fifth single and reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it proved even more successful. In the UK, it climbed to number 4, and it achieved the same position in Canada. In Australia, “Rubber Ball” became Vee’s only number-one hit, staying at the top of the charts for three weeks in early 1961.
The song’s impact extended beyond Vee’s own recordings. British singer Marty Wilde released a version that also performed well, reaching number 9 on the charts in 1961.
“Rubber Ball” remains an important piece of Bobby Vee’s discography, symbolizing the start of his prominent career in pop music. Its lively rhythm and catchy melody have cemented its place in the history of early 1960s pop music.
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