“Save the Last Dance for Me” is the title of a popular song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, first recorded in 1960 by Ben E. King with The Drifters.
The Drifters’ version of the song spent three non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the U.S. pop chart, in addition to logging one week atop the U.S. R&B chart. In the UK, the Drifters’ recording reached #2 in December 1960. This single was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two noted American music producers who at the time had an apprentice relationship with a then-unknown Phil Spector. Although he was working with Lieber and Stoller at the time, it is unknown whether Spector assisted with the production of this record; however, many Spector fans have noticed similarities between this record and other music he would eventually produce on his own.
In the song, the narrator tells his lover she is free to mingle and socialize throughout the evening, but to make sure to save him the dance at the end of the night. During an interview on Elvis Costello’s show Spectacle, Lou Reed, who worked with Pomus, said the song was written on the day of his wedding while the wheelchair-bound groom watched his bride dancing with their guests. Pomus had polio and at times used crutches to get around. His wife, Willi Burke, however, was a Broadway actress and dancer. The song gives his perspective of telling his wife to have fun dancing, but reminds her who will be taking her home and “in whose arms you’re gonna be.” The personnel for the Drifters’ recording were: Bucky Pizzarelli, Allen Hanlon (guitar), Lloyd Trotman (bass), Gary Chester (drums).

By The Drifters

Lyrics

You can dance Ev’ry dance with the guy Who gives you the eye Let him hold you tight

You can smile Ev’ry 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, ummm

Oh, I know (oh, I know) That the music’s fine Like sparkling wine Go and have your fun

Laugh and sing But while we’re apart Don’t give your heart to anyone ‘Cause don’t forget who’s taking you home And in whose arms you’re gonna be So darlin’, save the last dance for me, ummm

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 ‘Til 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 your gonna be So, darlin’, save the last dance for me, ummm-mm

Save the last dance for me, Ah-haa Save the last dance for me, Ah-haa Save the last dance for me, Ah-haa