Bobby Vee, born Robert Thomas Velline in Fargo, North Dakota, was a prominent figure in the early rock and roll era. Emerging in the wake of Buddy Holly’s tragic death in 1959, Vee quickly captured the hearts of teenage America with his clean-cut image and catchy, radio-friendly tunes. He amassed an impressive string of hits throughout the 1960s, including “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Rubber Ball,” and “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” While he never topped the Billboard Hot 100, consistently landing within the top 10 established him as a reliable hitmaker.
In 1967, Vee released “Come Back When You Grow Up,” a song that reflects a slightly different thematic approach than his earlier, more innocent fare. This song speaks to the heartbreak of unrequited love due to immaturity. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist rejected by a girl deemed too young to understand the depth of his feelings. He’s essentially asking her to come back when she’s older and more capable of a mature relationship. The song captures the frustration and longing associated with waiting for someone to catch up emotionally.
While “Come Back When You Grow Up” wasn’t Vee’s biggest chart success, it resonated with listeners who were navigating similar feelings of teenage longing and the sometimes painful realization of emotional disparity in relationships. Its slightly more mature theme, compared to Vee’s earlier bubblegum pop, might have been a factor. However, the song continues to be appreciated by fans for its relatable subject matter and Vee’s signature smooth vocals. Though not as commercially explosive as some of his earlier hits, “Come Back When You Grow Up” provides a glimpse into Vee’s evolution as an artist and a poignant reflection on the complexities of young love.