Every bartender knows the feeling of finishing their last shift. It’s a mix of emotions – excitement for what’s next, tinged with the nostalgia of leaving something familiar behind. It’s like viewing the past through rose-tinted glasses, remembering the good times and the unique experiences that were yours alone. This bittersweet feeling is often accompanied by Save The Last Dance Songs playing softly in your mind as a soundtrack to this transition.
As many places begin to reopen and life starts to resemble something closer to normal, the time behind the bar might be winding down for some. The end of an era is approaching, but the drinks and the stories will continue as long as possible. There’s a desire to keep sharing those moments until the very last call, cherishing the connection with readers and patrons alike.
On that final night behind the bar, there’s one song that always seems to make its way onto the playlist: “Save the Last Dance for Me.” It’s a bit of a cliché, perhaps, but there’s an undeniable resonance to this classic tune. Originally recorded by The Drifters in 1960, this iconic song narrates a tale of love and longing. It speaks of a narrator encouraging his beloved to enjoy herself, to dance and mingle freely, but with a gentle reminder to save the last dance for him. This poignant message makes it one of the quintessential save the last dance songs for many occasions.
The story behind “Save the Last Dance for Me” adds another layer of depth. Doc Pomus, one of the song’s writers, penned it on his wedding day. Confined to a wheelchair due to polio, Pomus watched his bride, Broadway star Wili Burke, dance with other guests at their wedding. From this deeply personal experience, he crafted lyrics that express both generosity and a tender possessiveness. The song’s narrator encourages his partner to revel in the celebration, “but don’t forget who’s taking you home, and in who’s arms you’re gonna be.” This heartfelt sentiment elevates it beyond just typical save the last dance songs and into a story of enduring connection.
For a bartender moving on, this song becomes a personal anthem. It’s a way of saying, “I might be moving on to a new bar, a different city, or wherever life takes me, but please, don’t forget about me. Remember the times we shared, because they truly meant a lot.” Even as the world shifts and changes, and the daily drink stories might become less frequent, the spirit of connection and the love for crafting cocktails will remain. The bar community, both bartenders and patrons, will still be here, ready to bring smiles and create new memories.
Save the Last Dance Cocktail
To commemorate these bittersweet moments, here’s a cocktail aptly named “Save the Last Dance,” perfect for those reflective evenings:
- .75oz Aged Jamaican Rum (like Appleton 12 year)
- .75oz Blanc Agricole Rhum (such as Rhum J.M. Blanc)
- .75oz Campari
- .75oz Averna
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
Instructions:
- Take a double old fashioned glass.
- Torch a cinnamon stick and place the glass over it to capture the smoke.
- Stir all ingredients together.
- Strain into the smoked glass over large ice.
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel and an orchid.
“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…” As we step back behind the bar, let’s not forget the connections we’ve made and the shared moments. Stay thirsty, remember the save the last dance songs, and keep shaking.
