In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Save the Last Dance for Me
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin' save the last dance for me
Like sparklin' wine,go and have your fun
Laugh and sing,but while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin' save the last dance for me
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,go and carry on
Till the night is gone
And it's time to go
If he asks if you're all alone
Can he walk you home,you must tell him no
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling,save the last dance for me
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling,save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me.....
In Ben E. King's "Save the Last Dance for Me," the singer encourages his love interest to go out and enjoy herself, but to save the final dance for him. He recognizes that she may be courted by other men while they are apart, and tells her not to give her heart to anyone else. The lyrics state that she can dance with whomever she wants and smile for any man, but she must remember to whom she is going home and with whom she will be in the end.
The lyrics show a level of insecurity from the singer, as he recognizes that he may not be the only man pursuing his love interest. He acknowledges the fear of infidelity and the potential for his significant other to fall for someone else. Despite this, he remains hopeful that she will save the final dance for him, reassuring her of his love and devotion.
Overall, the song speaks to the uncertainty and trust that exists in a relationship, but also to the hope and faith that love will prevail. It is a poignant reminder to cherish and prioritize the people who matter most in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You can dance-every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye,let him hold you tight
You can dance with any guy who looks at you with fascination and holds you tightly.
You can smile-every smile for the man
Who held your hand neath the pale moonlight
You can smile for the man who held your hand under the moonlight.
But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin' save the last dance for me
Remember that I'm the one taking you home and you'll be in my arms. So save the last dance for me.
Oh I know that the musics fine
Like sparklin' wine,go and have your fun
Laugh and sing,but while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
I know the music is great, you should have fun, laugh and sing, but please don't give your heart to anyone.
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
My love for you is strong, can't you feel it when we touch? I will never let you go, I love you so much.
You can dance,go and carry on
Till the night is gone
And it's time to go
You can dance and have a good time until the night ends and it's time to go home.
If he asks if you're all alone
Can he walk you home,you must tell him no
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling,save the last dance for me
If another man asks to walk you home, you should say no. Remember that I'm the one taking you home and you'll be in my arms. So save the last dance for me.
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling,save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me.....
Again, remember that I'm taking you home and you'll be in my arms, so please save the last dance for me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kathleenking47
I loved the pre Kennedy assassination era of music
Also, especially before 1966
I think, R&R went to ROCK after 1966..
Although it was a mix of songs, it wasnt the same.
Part of thus, I believe, MEN SERENADED THE WOMEN
and after the 80s, it STOPPED
now, it's silly women serenading men
The sperm chases the egg..its backwards
@biancagiles1661
Oh, my God
I'm remembering 1991 in Sunderland
When I met the Handsome 5 Boys, called
The Drifters
What a night that was
And I still love playing their music
By the way they gave me a souvenir a beautiful Belt!
I still still have it
Thank you Driftes Guys🙏
Please save the last dance for me!👍💖
@robertvroegh9354
I'm 79, no question we had the best music!
@julijabajec6676
I'm 13, no question yall had the best music
@robertlosasso4222
I’m 79 too , be eighty in October if God spares . It was the best music .
@jeandeblaize4175
I am French and I am 76 years old.
I will not say that my generation made the most beautiful music, but I clearly state that the melodies were more beautiful than today
@louizabouaoud3590
Exactement
@claudeechols1569
I'm 79 and i know we had the best music ever been on this planet, and the best times, in questionable.
@franktucker5
i am 90 yrs old & steal loving it. what happened to this good stuff?
@simondefreitas6333
the 60s they uses come out with hits after hits when Ben E King sang with them
@samanthamiles2867
I’m 27 & still say this generation of music is the best
@davidwalker8955
You have a great choice in music !