About the song
“Save the Last Dance for Me,” a timeless pop song penned by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, made its debut with the American group The Drifters featuring Ben E. King on lead vocals in 1960. Since its release, the song has been covered by various artists including Dalida, DeFranco Family, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Michael Bublé.
Originally intended as the B-side of a record, “Save the Last Dance for Me” unexpectedly stole the spotlight. In a 1990 interview, Doc Pomus recounted how Dick Clark flipped the record and recognized its potential as the stronger track. Released shortly after Ben E. King departed from the group, The Drifters’ rendition topped the U.S. pop charts for three non-consecutive weeks, in addition to claiming a week at number one on the U.S. R&B chart. In the United Kingdom, the recording reached number two in December 1960. Produced by the renowned American music producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were mentors to Phil Spector at the time, the song’s production hints at Spector’s signature style, though his direct involvement remains unclear.
The narrative of the song portrays a poignant message where the narrator instructs his lover to enjoy herself at a social gathering, yet reminds her to save the final dance for him. This sentiment captures the essence of trust and enduring love amidst the revelry of the night. Notably, Damita Jo had a notable response hit during that era titled “I’ll Save the Last Dance for You.”
Lou Reed, who collaborated with Pomus, revealed in an interview on Elvis Costello’s show “Spectacle” that Pomus wrote the song on his wedding day while confined to a wheelchair, watching his bride dance with their guests. Pomus, who was paralyzed and sometimes used a wheelchair, drew from his perspective as he urged his wife, Broadway actress and dancer Willi Burke, to enjoy herself on the dance floor but to remember who would take her home and “whose arms you’re gonna be in.”
Musicians on The Drifters’ recording included Bucky Pizzarelli and Allen Hanlon on guitars, Lloyd Trotman on bass, and Gary Chester on drums. The song’s enduring popularity and emotional resonance across decades attest to its status as a classic, continually embraced by audiences worldwide for its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody.
Video
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