Lyric :

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

About The Song :

“Save the Last Dance for Me” by the Drifters is a classic that brings together the talents of two legendary songwriting teams from the early rock era: Pomus and Shuman wrote the song, while Lieber and Stoller produced it. Released in 1960, the song became a massive hit in both the US and the UK. Ben E King, renowned for “Stand By Me,” provided the lead vocals, showcasing a unique blend of gravelly, sad, and sweeping tones.

The Drifters, known for their innovative use of strings in previous hits like “There Goes My Baby,” took it a step further in this song with soaring, swirling violins that complement King’s vocals, emphasizing the yearning in the lyrics. Allegedly, Doc Pomus, who used a wheelchair, penned the song after his wedding, observing his wife, an actor and dancer, enjoying the festivities with guests. The lyrics convey a sense of melancholy, as the singer, aware of the girl’s flirtatious nature, pleads for her faithfulness in the end. Despite the hopeful plea, there’s a lingering uncertainty.

The combination of the tune, vocals, narrative, and arrangement in “Save the Last Dance for Me” creates a perfect harmony, contributing to its enduring status as a classic.