“Save the Last Dance for Me” By The Drifters Is The Heartwarming Tune We Need

Jul 14, 2020 by apost team

Today, people likely know the song, Save the Last Dance for Me, as performed by Michael Buble.

However, the song was first performed in 1960 by the doo-wop group, The Drifters. The song, which tells the story of a man whose date is free to roam the dance floor, so long as she remembers she is going home with him.

According to Songfacts, Save the Last Dance for Me, was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman and first performed by The Drifters in 1960. At the time of the first recording, Ben E. King performed the lead vocals. The song was first produced as the Side A single of a 7-inch 45rpm record with Nobody but Me as the Side B.

The songs were originally reversed, but upon Dick Clark's suggestion, Save the Last Dance for Me was moved to Side A. He felt that it was the stronger song and he was right. The song peaked at number one position on the Billboard 100 and U.S. Cashbox music charts. The original recording by the Drifters stayed at number one for three non-consecutive weeks. 

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The Drifters were a group created by George Treadwell. Treadwell hired musicians and paid them very little, which lead to the group members revolving significantly. Over 60 vocalists were in the band during his management.

Clyde McPhatter is widely recognized as the group's original lead singer, although he was only in the position for a year. Ben E. King joined the group in 1959. He sang lead vocals on the classic hits, There Goes My Baby and This Magic Moment, in addition, to Save the Last Dance for Me. The group consistently produced music between 1953 and 1972, with many chart-topping singles along the way.  

This performance, in 1970, is a memorable one. In the live performance, Johnny Moore sings the lead of classic hit with his bandmates. Although the song was 10 years old at this point, it was well-received by the audience.

The group is classically dressed in matching white suits and the backup singers sway side-to-side to the beat, kicking out the opposite foot as they do. The choreographed dance moves were common of groups in the 1950s to 1970s. The vocals roll out smoothly as the singer gives consent for his date to roam the room throughout the evening. He reminds her that she can dance with anyone she likes, but reminds her that she's going home with him.  

The lyrics of Save the Last Dance for Me are possessive, yet tender and loving. The singer reminds his date that he loves her and that her heart belongs to him at the end of the day. He cautions her to not give her heart away because it already belongs to him.

Although the lyrics are dated, the meaning of the song is classic. It's about a couple going out for the evening and the woman having a good time, so long as they go home together at the end of the night. The smooth rhythm and tone of the song is a soothing, romantic one, taking the words of the lyrics down a notch. What could be read as possessive, is performed in a loving manner that would have made the ladies swoon.

This heartwarming melody is perfect for a date night, relaxing around the house, or dancing. It is a classic performance that is still enjoyable 60 years since it was first performed. If you enjoyed this performance, be sure to share it with your friends and family.