About the Song
In the early 1960s, the American music scene was pulsating with the infectious energy of rock and roll. Teen idols emerged left and right, each vying for the hearts and dancing shoes of a generation. Among them, a young Bobby Vee rose to prominence with a song that captured the lighthearted spirit of the times: Rubber Ball.
Released in 1960, “Rubber Ball” wasn’t a ballad about teenage angst or rebellion. It was a pure blast of playful pop, a burst of sunshine in musical form. The song’s title might seem whimsical, even nonsensical at first glance. But within its seemingly simple theme lies a charm that has resonated with listeners for over six decades.
The song opens with a driving, almost frantic beat, setting the stage for a joyous celebration. Vee’s vocals, youthful and brimming with infectious energy, deliver the lyrics with a playful wink. “Like a rubber ball, bouncing back and forth” becomes the central refrain, a metaphor for the carefree spirit of young love and the resilience of a teenage heart.
The instrumentation is refreshingly simple yet effective. A prominent piano line lays the foundation, punctuated by the rhythmic strumming of guitars. The backing vocals, layered and light, add a touch of sweetness to the overall sound. There’s an undeniable pop sensibility to the song, a focus on catchy melodies and singalong choruses that was characteristic of the era.
“Rubber Ball” wasn’t just about its playful lyrics or catchy melody. It captured a specific moment in American culture – a time of youthful exuberance and a burgeoning sense of optimism. For many listeners, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times when a bouncing ball could symbolize the carefree joy of young love.
While Bobby Vee’s career would take him down different musical paths, “Rubber Ball” remains a signature song. It’s a testament to the power of a well-crafted pop song, its simple yet effective formula continuing to delight audiences across generations. So, the next time you hear that infectious “Like a rubber ball, bouncing back and forth” , remember the youthful spirit and infectious energy that Bobby Vee brought to the early days of rock and roll.
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Lyrics: “Rubber Ball”
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I come bouncin’ back to you
Hoo-ah-ooh-oohI’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 youIf 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 youYou 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
Hoo-ah-ooh-ooh
Bouncy, bouncy… bouncy, bouncy
Bouncy, bouncy… bouncy, bouncy
Eee-ah-eee-eeeYou 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
Ah-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
(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 you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you
Rubber ball, I’ll come bouncin’ back to you