As a teenager, DeVille had a band named Billy and the Kids. He moved to London looking to form a band, but was unsuccessful in finding like-minded musicians. Eventually he landed in San Francisco where he formed a band with bassist Ruben Siguenza and drummer Tom "Manfred" Allen. The band played under the names Billy DeSade & the Marquis and the Lazy Eights before settling on the name Mink DeVille. Later, DeVille took the band to New York City, where they helped to pioneer punk rock music and were one of the original house bands at CBGB, the New York nighclub where punk rock music was born in the mid-1970s.
The typical DeVille song -- if any of his songs can be called "typical" -- is filled with romantic conviction and yearning. Latin rhythms, Blues riffs, and strains of country music can be heard in DeVille songs. Spanish Stroll was a hit in the U.S. and the UK in 1978; Storybook Love (nominated for an Academy Award in 1987) is the theme song of the movie The Princess Bride.
DeVille suffered from drug addiction for many years, which stifled his career. Among fellow musicians and songwriters, he was widely respected. Songwriter Doc Pomus said about Deville, "He knows the truth of a city street and the courage in a ghetto love song."
DeVille died of pancreatic cancer during the night of August 6, 2009 in a New York hospital.
DeVille had homes in New Orleans and Mississippi.
Save the Last Dance for Me
Willy DeVille 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 moon light
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
Save the last dance for me
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
And don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
So don't forget who's taking you home
Or in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, Save the last dance for me
Oh baby won't you save the last dance for me
Oh baby won't you promise that you'll save,
The last dance for me
Save the last dance, the very last dance for me
Willy DeVille’s "Save the Last Dance for Me" is a melancholic love song that expresses the nuances of love and possessiveness. The song, first recorded by The Drifters in 1960, features the perspective of a man who is encouraging his partner to enjoy dancing and being with other men, but with the knowledge that at the end of the night, he is the one taking her home, and he wants her to save the last dance for him. The song reflects the trusting and committed nature of the singer towards his partner while acknowledging that he is aware that other men are interested in his partner as well.
DeVille sings about the nature of relationships, which involves letting go of some control and trusting the partner to do the right thing while they are apart. The song has a romantic undertone that emphasizes the importance of memories and anticipation. The music itself also complements the lyrics, with a slow and sentimental melody that emphasizes the hesitating and considerate sentiments behind the song.
In conclusion, Willy DeVille’s "Save the Last Dance for Me" is a heartwarming and sincere love song that emphasizes the difficulties and beauty of romantic relationships. The song reflects on the trust, jealousy, and caution that characterize human relationships, but ends on a sweet and hopeful note, encouraging the preservation of the last dance.
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 anyone who catches your fancy, let him hold you tight
You can smile-every smile for the man
Who held your hand neath the pale moon light
You can smile at 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 who's taking you home at the end of the night and who you'll be in the arms of, so save the last dance for me
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
I know the music is good and you should enjoy yourself, but don't give your heart to anyone while we're apart
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 should know that I love you very much, and I'll never let you go
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
Save the last dance for me
You can dance and have fun until the night is over, but if someone asks to walk you home, say no because you need to remember who's taking you home and who you'll be in the arms of, so save the last dance for me
So don't forget who's taking you home
Or in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, Save the last dance for me
Don't forget who's taking you home or who you'll be in the arms of, so please save the last dance for me
Oh baby won't you save the last dance for me
Oh baby won't you promise that you'll save,
The last dance for me
Save the last dance, the very last dance for me
Baby, will you please save the last dance for me? Can you promise to save the last dance for me? Save the very last dance for me.
Contributed by Ella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@albacerrone9254
I just found this version by Bonjovi and DeVille, I’ve replayed it over and over again . I simply love it ! ❤
@utakramer139
Amazing, John and the Master 🎸🎙💜❤🌹
@elseMa5194
Amazinigly beautiful performed by this unique duo
" Darling save the last dance for me" ❤
@furchengaenger
Just magic ! ❤
@teresawysocka07
Beautiful version! This song will be never forgotten.Bravo Bon Jovi.!
@sweetmyrrh
Jon is perfection. ❤️
@christineb.4058
I love them both ❣️
@sensitivity7207
Deville voice is so unique.
@lisanelli6830
Willy deVille R.I.P.❤⚘
@veragraf9915
Love your Songs, Willy