Countless couples have swayed to “Save the Last Dance for Me” at weddings and celebrations, yet the poignant backstory of this beloved song reveals a hidden irony. The man who penned these heartfelt lyrics, Doc Pomus, was unable to dance himself.
Born Jerome Felder in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925, Doc Pomus contracted polio at a young age. This illness necessitated the use of crutches throughout his childhood and eventually led to him being confined to a wheelchair in his adult life. Despite these physical challenges, Pomus was a charismatic and determined individual. He defied societal limitations imposed on people with disabilities, pursuing both romantic relationships with women and a career as a blues singer. It was this pursuit that prompted his name change to the more evocative “Doc Pomus,” a moniker that resonated with his blues persona.
However, beneath the surface of the romantic and catchy “Save The Last Dance For Me Song” lies a deeper layer of personal emotion. The song encapsulates Pomus’s feelings of longing and regret stemming from his disability. This sentiment was brought to the forefront on a particularly memorable occasion: his own wedding day. The narrative of the song centers around a man giving his blessing for his sweetheart to dance with others throughout the evening, with the crucial condition that she reserves the final dance exclusively for him. This concept was directly inspired by Pomus’s wedding to actress Willi Burke in 1957. Unable to dance himself, Pomus poignantly watched from the sidelines as his bride danced with other men, including his own brother, Raoul, at their wedding reception.
Pomus’s evocative lyrics found perfect harmony with a memorable melody crafted by his songwriting partner, Mort Shuman. Shuman was a talented composer in his own right, also known for his English adaptations of songs by Jacques Brel. Together, Pomus and Shuman formed a formidable songwriting duo during the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were prolific hitmakers operating from the legendary Brill Building in New York City, a hub of songwriting talent.
Their collaborative efforts resulted in a string of chart-topping hits, including classics like “A Teenager in Love,” “Sweets for My Sweet,” and “Can’t Get Used to Losing You.” They also penned several songs for Elvis Presley, such as “Surrender,” “(Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame,” and the iconic “Viva Las Vegas.”
Yet, it was “Save the Last Dance for Me song” that would become their most commercially successful and enduring creation. The bittersweet emotions of his wedding day fueled Pomus’s lyrical creativity, resulting in lines that conveyed both generosity and underlying vulnerability. Lyrics like, “Oh I know that the music’s fine/ Like sparklin’ wine, go and have your fun,” express a seemingly carefree encouragement. However, a hint of jealousy and possessiveness emerges in the later verse: “If he asks if you’re all alone/ Can he walk you home, you must tell him no.”
The emotional core of the song is laid bare in the soaring chorus, a heartfelt plea and a gentle command: “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.” This chorus encapsulates the central theme of love, longing, and the desire for reassurance within a relationship.
“Save the Last Dance for Me” was first recorded in 1960 by The Drifters, featuring the soulful lead vocals of Ben E King. Produced by the renowned duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the recording incorporated a Latin-infused rhythm and shimmering string arrangements, adding to its sophisticated pop appeal. Atlantic Records boss Ahmet Ertegun shared the song’s personal origin story with Ben E King prior to the recording session. Deeply moved by Pomus’s inspiration, King imbued his performance with an added layer of emotional depth and sincerity. The result was a resounding success, propelling the song to number one in the US and number two in the UK, solidifying its place in popular music history.
Since its initial release, “Save the Last Dance for Me song” has been covered extensively, demonstrating its timeless appeal and adaptability across genres. secondhandsongs.com catalogs over 300 recorded versions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Just a year after The Drifters’ hit, Jerry Lee Lewis injected his signature rock and roll energy into the song, creating a vastly different but equally compelling rendition. Ike and Tina Turner’s electrifying 1966 version, enhanced by Phil Spector’s iconic “wall of sound” production, offered another powerful interpretation. Even The Beatles playfully explored the song during jam sessions in the late 1960s, as captured in the Get Back documentary.
In 1974, Harry Nilsson offered an unexpected and somewhat melancholic take, transforming the upbeat tempo into a slower, dirge-like ballad. Conversely, Emmylou Harris’s 1979 country rendition highlighted the song’s versatility, showcasing its emotional resonance in a country setting with her beautiful vocals and lilting instrumentation. The Troggs delivered a surprising middle-aged punk interpretation 14 years later, while Harry Connick Jr. reimagined it as a sultry jazz number. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood applied their distinctive “beauty and the beast” vocal dynamic in a 2004 version, complete with mariachi trumpets and lush strings, with Hazlewood famously growling “Save the last dance for Lee” towards the song’s conclusion. Bruce Springsteen has also incorporated the song into his live performances in recent years, often performing it as a ballad and inviting audience members to dance onstage.
The song also holds poignant associations with the late Leonard Cohen, reportedly being the last song he ever performed on stage. It served as a moving encore during his final tour in 2013 and is featured on his Live in Dublin album.
Despite the romantic themes of “Save the Last Dance for Me song,” Pomus’s marriage to Willi Burke did not last, ending in divorce in 1966. In the following decade, Pomus pursued a different path, venturing into professional gambling, a career that reportedly ended after a robbery. He eventually returned to his songwriting passion, collaborating with artists such as Dr. John, Willy DeVille, and B.B. King.
Ultimately, “Save the Last Dance for Me song” remains Doc Pomus’s most enduring legacy. Ben E King’s definitive performance continues to be celebrated as the quintessential interpretation, capturing the song’s heart and emotional depth for generations to come.
