About the song
“Sharing You” by Bobby Vee is a classic pop song that was released in 1960, during the height of the teen idol era in American music. It was part of Bobby Vee’s self-titled album Bobby Vee Meets the Crickets, and it quickly became one of his most memorable tracks. Known for his smooth vocals and youthful charm, Bobby Vee captured the hearts of teenage audiences in the early 1960s with his earnest delivery of songs that explored the complexities of love and relationships.
In “Sharing You”, the singer finds himself in a difficult romantic situation, where he must share his affections with another person. The song’s lyrics express a sense of heartbreak and selflessness, as the protagonist willingly accepts the reality of a love that is not entirely his own. It’s a poignant tale of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil that comes with loving someone who belongs to someone else. The bittersweet theme is captured in the line “I’m sharing you, but I don’t want to”—a sentiment that many listeners can relate to, especially in the context of a young love filled with uncertainty and longing.
Musically, “Sharing You” is a soft, catchy pop ballad with a simple but effective arrangement, which highlights Bobby Vee’s clear and heartfelt vocals. The gentle rhythm and orchestral backing create a dreamy atmosphere, making the song perfect for slow dances and moments of reflection. The emotional sincerity in Vee’s voice brings an added layer of authenticity to the song, allowing it to resonate with audiences of all ages.
“Sharing You” became a commercial success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Bobby Vee’s place as one of the leading pop stars of the early 1960s. It reflects the broader cultural moment of that time, where pop music was beginning to evolve beyond simple love songs into more nuanced explorations of relationships and emotional conflict. The song’s themes of heartbreak and emotional self-sacrifice were not unique to Vee, but his earnest approach to these topics, combined with his smooth pop sensibilities, made the song stand out.
The influence of “Sharing You” can be seen in the way it captured the spirit of the early 1960s teen culture—a time when young people were exploring love, heartbreak, and identity through music. The song’s success helped further establish Bobby Vee as one of the leading voices in pop music, alongside other contemporaries like Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, and Connie Francis. Songs like “Sharing You” provided the soundtrack to the emotional experiences of a generation, resonating with listeners who could identify with the themes of youthful romance, jealousy, and longing.
In terms of its social impact, “Sharing You” contributes to the larger conversation of how pop music served as both an escape and a reflection of personal experiences in the early 1960s. As the world began to change, so too did the music, with artists like Bobby Vee capturing the emotional landscape of their time. While “Sharing You” may not carry the same cultural weight as some of the era’s more revolutionary songs, it remains a beautiful example of the type of pop music that connected with audiences on a deeply personal level.
In conclusion, “Sharing You” by Bobby Vee is a timeless pop ballad that resonates with listeners through its exploration of love and loss. Released in 1960, it showcases the unique sound of Bobby Vee, capturing the mood of an entire generation of young people navigating the complexities of romantic relationships. With its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody, “Sharing You” remains a classic from the early 1960s, demonstrating the emotional depth and authenticity that Bobby Vee brought to his music.
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Lyrics
Sharing youI know I’m sharing youI’m not the only oneWho’s in your heartWhen I’m with youYour love belongs to meBut you have someone elseWhen we’re apartThere are two of us who kiss youTwo of us who miss youTwo of us who wish thereWere two of youAnd though it hurts me soTo go on sharing youI know my helpless heartJust can’t be freeBut even thoughI must keep sharing youYou know you’llNever be sharing me