About the song
“Cherish,” a timeless gem by American R&B legends Kool & the Gang, first graced the airwaves in May 1985 as the third single from their sixteenth studio album, *Emergency*. This romantic ballad quickly captured the hearts of listeners and went on to become a defining hit of the 1980s. Achieving Gold certification from the RIAA, “Cherish” dominated Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for six consecutive weeks, earning its place as the most significant Adult Contemporary chart hit of the decade.
The song’s popularity has endured, becoming a staple at weddings and romantic occasions, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies. Composed in Bâ™ minor, “Cherish” transitions to Dâ™ major during the chorus, enhancing its emotional depth and resonance. The song’s structure and arrangement have varied across its different versions, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
The original album version of “Cherish” spans 4:47 and begins with the soothing sound of waves crashing on a beach, setting a serene tone that is soon accompanied by a keyboard intro. This version maintains a minimalist approach, with drums and percussion making their entrance only at the first chorus.
In contrast, the single and video version, with a length of 3:58, incorporates additional “beach” effects and combines acoustic guitar with the keyboard introduction. This version also features earlier and more consistent drumming, a slight variation in the chorus structure, and a shorter outro.
For dance enthusiasts, there is an extended 12-inch version of “Cherish,” lasting 5:43. This mix enriches the original with enhanced beach effects, saxophone solos, and an extended saxophone interlude following the first chorus. Additionally, an edited mix of the 12-inch version (4:22) substitutes the bridge with a saxophone interlude, providing a fresh take on the beloved track.
Overall, “Cherish” stands as a quintessential example of Kool & the Gang’s ability to blend romantic sentiment with musical sophistication, making it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s take a walk together near the ocean shore
Hand in hand you and I
Let’s cherish every moment we have been given
The time is passing by
I often pray before I lay down by your side
If you receive your calling before I awake
Could I make it through the night
Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love we have
For as long as we both shall live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
The world is always changing
Nothing stays the same
But love will stand the test of time
The next life that we live in
Remains to be seen
Will you be by my side
I often pray before I lay down by your side
If you receive your calling before I awake
Could I make it through the night
Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love we have
For as long as we both shall live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love we have
For as long as we both shall live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love
Cherish the love we have
For as long as we both shall live
Cherish the love
Cherish the life
Cherish the love