It's the Same Old Song...

You may not know Doc Pomus. He was a white blues singer who only achieved great success by penning rock and roll records for the likes of Elvis Presley, Dion and the Belmonts, The Drifters, The Coasters, Ray Charles, and on and on. The man is responsible for some of my favorite songs in the rock and roll era, and looking at the list of his work is to have your head filled with great melodies, high-flying strings, and fond memories. And words that hang on your heart.

But this weekend on "A Prarie Home Companion", I learned a bit more about Doc Pomus. That, as a child, he was crippled by polio and spent his early years on crutches, which is how you see him in photos singing at blues clubs. There's some speculation that's what kept him achieving any fame-you can't have a singing sensation who can't stand on his feet. He spent most of his life in a wheelchair. In 1957, he married an aspiring Broadway actress/dancer named Willi Burke. Not long after, he wrote (with his partner Mort Shuman) "Save the Last Dance For Me." You know it, it's been "covered" lots of times, and been a hit more than once. It's a classic song with a blues sentiment and a spanish rhythm that dances all on its own. Now, read the words with the story of Doc Pomus and his pretty wife in mind and you'll never hear the song the same way again.

You can dance
Every dance with the guy
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

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
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.

Words and Music by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman