“Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry is a heartfelt and melodic acoustic rock song released in October 1997 as the lead single from his debut album, Desireless. It’s the Swedish-American singer-songwriter’s biggest hit and remains his signature track.
The song is sung from the perspective of someone spending a final evening with a loved one before parting—possibly due to travel, work, or some unavoidable obligation. The chorus—“Save tonight / And fight the break of dawn / Come tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll be gone”—captures the bittersweet feeling of holding on to a fleeting moment.
“Save Tonight” blends folk-pop, acoustic rock, and soft alternative elements. The production is warm and simple, built around strummed guitar, steady rhythm, and Cherry’s smooth, slightly raspy vocals. It has an easygoing, radio-friendly vibe that made it widely accessible.
The song was a commercial success worldwide, charting in the top 10 in several countries, including the US, UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Its universal theme, catchy melody, and emotional honesty helped it cross genres and connect with a wide audience.
The music video was filmed in Stockholm.
“Save Tonight” gave Eagle-Eye Cherry instant recognition, though he never repeated its chart success on the same scale. Nevertheless, the song endures as a 1990s classic, often featured in soundtracks, playlists, and nostalgic collections for its warm tone and emotional resonance.