Bobby Vee, born Robert Thomas Velline in Fargo, North Dakota, was a prominent American pop singer during the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s. He rose to fame at the tender age of 15, filling in for Buddy Holly after the tragic plane crash that took Holly’s life in 1959. Vee quickly established himself as a teen idol, known for his clean-cut image and smooth, romantic vocal style. His early hits like “Suzie Baby” and “Rubber Ball” catapulted him onto the Billboard charts and secured his place in the pop music landscape. While he never achieved the same level of chart dominance as some of his contemporaries, Vee consistently delivered catchy and appealing songs that resonated with a wide audience.
In 1967, Vee released “Come Back When You Grow Up,” a song that deviates slightly from his typical upbeat pop fare. The track, written by Martha Sharp, tells the story of a young man who is told by his love interest to wait until he is older and more mature before pursuing a serious relationship. The song speaks to the universal feeling of youthful impatience and the often frustrating experience of being perceived as too young for love. While not a chart-topper on the scale of his earlier hits, “Come Back When You Grow Up” still garnered attention and has since become a well-regarded part of Vee’s extensive discography.
Feedback from audiences and critics has generally been positive, with many appreciating the song’s relatability and Vee’s sincere delivery. Listeners often remark on the song’s gentle melody and the relatable theme of yearning for a connection that feels just out of reach. Though less remembered than his earlier successes, “Come Back When You Grow Up” continues to find new audiences through its enduring message and Bobby Vee’s timeless vocal performance. It remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and complexities of young love.