About the song
Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman’s timeless ballad, “Save the Last Dance for Me,” encapsulates a poignant blend of longing, anticipation, and a touch of melancholy. Originally recorded by the Drifters in 1960, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme and the soulful delivery of Ben E. King’s vocals.
The song’s narrative revolves around a man’s plea to his partner to save the final dance of the evening for him. While he encourages her to enjoy herself and mingle with others, his underlying request carries a weight of expectation and a hint of possessiveness. This emotional tension is heightened by the contrast between the carefree atmosphere of a social gathering and the intimate, one-on-one connection sought by the narrator.
Pomus, a songwriter deeply affected by polio, infused the song with a personal layer of vulnerability. His own experiences with physical limitations and his love for his wife, a Broadway actress, likely influenced the emotional depth and sincerity of the lyrics. The song’s refrain, “Save the last dance for me,” becomes a poignant symbol of the narrator’s desire for a moment of exclusive attention and affection.
The Drifters’ rendition of “Save the Last Dance for Me” is a testament to the group’s ability to convey raw emotion through their harmonies and vocal arrangements. King’s soulful voice captures the longing and yearning expressed in the lyrics, while the backing vocals provide a rich and textured accompaniment. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal theme, the emotional resonance of its lyrics, and the timeless quality of its musical arrangement.
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Lyrics
You can dance
Every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye
Let him hold you tight
You can smile
Every smile for the man
Who held your hand
‘Neath the pale moonlight
But don’t forget who’s taking you home
And in whose arms you’re gonna be
So darlin’
Save the last dance for me, hmm
Oh, I know (oh, I know)
That the music’s fine (yes, I know)
Like sparkling wine (oh, I know)
Go and have your fun (yes, I know, oh, I know)
Laugh and sing (yes, I know)
But while we’re apart (oh, I know)
Don’t give your heart (yes, I know)
To anyone (oh, I know, yes, I know)
But don’t forget who’s taking you home
And in whose arms you’re gonna be
So darlin’
Save the last dance for me, hmm
Baby, don’t you know I love you so?
Can’t you feel it when we touch?
I will never, never let you go
I love you, oh, so much
You can dance (you can dance)
Go and carry on (you can dance)
‘Till the night is gone (you can dance)
And it’s time to go (you can dance, you can dance)
If he asks (you can dance)
If you’re all alone (you can dance)
Can he take you home (you can dance)
You must tell him, no (you can dance)
‘Cause don’t forget who’s taking you home
And in whose arm’s you’re gonna be
So darlin’
Save the last dance for me
‘Cause don’t forget who’s taking you home
And in whose arm’s you’re gonna be
So darlin’
Save the last dance for me, hmm
Save the last dance for me, hmm-hmm
Save the last dance for me, hmmm
Save