About the song
“Save the Last Dance for Me” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of music lovers for generations. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, this song has been covered by numerous artists, including the iconic American musical group the Drifters, featuring the soulful vocals of Ben E. King. First recorded in 1960, the song has since become a classic of the era, with its smooth harmonies, lush instrumentation, and poignant lyrics that speak to the universal human desire for connection and intimacy.
The Drifters’ version of “Save the Last Dance for Me” is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with its narrator urging his lover to mingle and socialize throughout the evening, but ultimately reserving the last dance of the night for himself. This song is more than just a romantic ballad, however – it’s a deeply personal and emotional expression of love, longing, and vulnerability. As songwriter Doc Pomus himself revealed in a 1990 interview, the song was inspired by his own wedding day, where he watched his bride dance with their guests, knowing that he would be the one taking her home at the end of the night.
The song’s production is equally noteworthy, with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller at the helm, two of the most influential music producers of the era. Although it’s unclear whether Phil Spector, who was working with Leiber and Stoller at the time, assisted with the production, the similarities between this record and Spector’s later work are undeniable. The song’s instrumentation is lush and sophisticated, featuring the talents of musicians such as Bucky Pizzarelli and Allen Hanlon on guitar, Lloyd Trotman on bass, and Gary Chester on drums.
Throughout its history, “Save the Last Dance for Me” has been covered by a wide range of artists, from Dalida to Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Michael Bublé. Despite its many interpretations, however, the Drifters’ original version remains the most iconic and enduring, a testament to the power of this timeless song to evoke emotions and connect with listeners on a deep and profound level.
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