Save the last dance for me – The Drifters

Written by Doc Pomus, a noted blues singer/songwriter, and Mort Shuman, “Save the Last Dance for Me” was first recorded in 1960.

Behind the Music

In an interview with Pomus, he revealed that the song had been relegated to the record’s B-side until Dick Clark suggested that “Save the Last Dance for Me” was the stronger song. The lyrics as well were said by Lou Reed, who had formerly worked with Doc Pomus, to have been written during Pomus’ wedding. Pomus, at the time, was wheelchair-bound due to polio and, as such, could not dance with his wife, Willi Burke. Pomus wrote the song from his perspective, not wanting to stop her, then a Broadway actress and dancer, from enjoying the night. But also reminding her that at the end of the night, she’d be going home with him.

International Success

Following the release of the record, it would go on to reach the top of several charts across the world. In the U.S., it spent three weeks at the top of the U.S. pop chart and spent another week at the top of the R&B charts. Internationally, the song would stay at No. 1 in New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada’s charts, while in the UK, the song only made it to the No. 2 spot.

The Legacy of “Save the Last Dance for Me”

Following the song’s release in 1960, Damita Jo would record an “answer song” titled “I’ll Save the Last Dance for You”, which went on to the No. 16 spot on the R&B charts. “Save the Last Dance for Me” would also go on to be covered by a variety of different artists throughout the years. And while never quite reaching the peak of popularity the original had, many of the covers would make it to the top ten of several charts. Some of the most popular covers included Dolly Parton’s version in 1983, The Defranco Family in 1974, and Michael Bublé’s in 2003.

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 that the music’s fine (oh, I know, yes I know)

Like sparkling wine go and have your fun

Laugh and sing but while we’re apart

Don’t give your heart to anyone

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, go and carry on

‘Till the night is gone and it’s time to go

If he asks, if you’re all alone

Can he take you home, you must tell him, no

‘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

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