Saturday November 27, 2021 “Save the Last Dance for Me” The Drifters

This dance tune was co-written by Doc Pomus who has been featured on several previous songs of the day because, well because he has written so many classic 60s hit songs.  Too many to list but here’s a small sample: “A Teenager in Love”, “Suspicion”, “Hushabye”, “This Magic Moment” and “Little Sister” among so many others.

Pomus has said that he wrote “Save the Last Dance for Me” when he found an old invitation to his wedding where he remembered watching his brother Raoul dance with his new wife, a tall and beautiful actress, while Doc, who had polio, sat in his wheelchair. 

When the Drifters were recording the song, Atlantic Records president Ahmet Ertegun retold the story to Drifters then lead singer Ben E. King which helped him to deliver the emotion that he needed for the song.

Shortly after recording “Save the Last Dance” King would leave the Drifters for a very successful solo career.

Stay safe and well...and It seems only appropriate that we would save the last dance song...well for me.

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 beneath the pale moon light

 But don't forget who's takin' you home

And in whose arms you're gonna be

So darling, save the last dance for me

 Oh, I know that the music's fine

Like sparklin' wine, go and have your fun

Laugh and sing, but while we're apart

Don't give your heart to anyone

 And don't forget who's takin' you home

And in whose arms you're gonna be

So darling, save the last dance for me

 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

'Til the night is gone

And it's time to go

If he asks if you're all alone

Can he walk you home, you must tell him no

 'Cause don't forget who's taking you home

And in whose arms you're gonna be

Save the last dance for me

 Oh, I know that the music's fine

Like sparklin' wine, go and have your fun

Laugh and sing, but while we're apart

Don't give your heart to anyone

 And don't forget who's taking you home

And in whose arms you're gonna be

So darling, save the last dance for me

 So don't forget who's taking you home

Or in whose arms you're gonna be

So darling, save the last dance for me

 Oh baby, won't you save the last dance for me

Ooh, you make a promise

That you'll save the last dance for me

Save the last dance

The very last dance

For me