About the song
“Cherish” stands as a quintessential pop anthem from the 1960s, crafted by Terry Kirkman and immortalized by the Association. Released in 1966, this heartfelt ballad swiftly climbed the charts, securing the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and maintaining its reign for three consecutive weeks. Billboard even ranked it as the seventh-best song of 1966, later revising its position to number two, underscoring its enduring popularity and impact. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified “Cherish” as Gold in the same year, further solidifying its place in music history.
**Origins and Songwriting:**
Terry Kirkman penned “Cherish” in just half an hour, seeking to capture the emotive essence akin to the Righteous Brothers’ classic, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” His swift creation resonated deeply with audiences, encapsulating a narrative where the protagonist expresses adoration for a love interest, uncertain if it is genuine love or merely desire. The lyrics poignantly convey the protagonist’s apprehension, juxtaposed with doubts about reciprocation from a love interest pursued by many suitors.
**Recording and Musicality:**
Recorded in a converted garage studio owned by Gary S. Paxton, “Cherish” features lush instrumentation typical of the Association’s style, including intricate guitar work by session musicians like Mike Deasy and Jerry Scheff. The song’s structure is notably complex, with two distinct bridge sections and a key modulation enhancing its melodic allure. Curt Boettcher, known for his meticulous production, added ethereal vocal touches that punctuate the song’s emotional crescendo.
For its single release, “Cherish” underwent minor adjustments to meet radio airplay standards, including a slight tempo increase and strategic lyric edits to fit within the three-minute mark—a radio programming preference at the time. Despite these modifications, the song’s essence remained intact, retaining its lush harmonies and memorable hooks that captivated listeners.
**Critical Reception and Legacy:**
“Cherish” received mixed reviews over the years, with some critics praising its intricate musical arrangement and romantic sentimentality, while others viewed its lyrical content with a more critical eye. Tom Breihan’s retrospective review on Stereogum highlighted the song’s lush harmonies and orchestration but critiqued its potentially unsettling fixation on the object of affection. Nevertheless, the song endured as a makeout classic and a staple of 1960s pop, influencing subsequent musical trends and earning its place in the cultural tapestry of the era.
In conclusion, “Cherish” remains a testament to the Association’s prowess in crafting emotionally resonant pop music. Its ability to blend intricate musicality with poignant lyricism ensured its timeless appeal, making it not just a chart-topping hit but also a cherished piece of American musical heritage that continues to evoke nostalgia and admiration decades after its release.
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Lyrrics
Cherish is the word I use to describe
All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I had told you
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could hold you
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could
Mold you into someone who could
Cherish me as much as I cherish you
Perish is the word that more than applies
To the hope in my heart each time I realize
That I am not gonna be the one to share your dreams
That I am not gonna be the one to share your schemes
That I am not gonna be the one to share
What seems to be the life that you could
Cherish as much as I do yours
Oh, I’m beginning to think that man has never found
The words that could make you want me
That have the right amount of letters, just the right sound
That could make you hear, make you see
That you are drivin’ me out of my mind
Oh, I could say I need you but then you’d realize
That I want you just like a thousand other guys
Who’d say they loved you With all the rest of their lies
When all they wanted was to touch your face, your hands
And gaze into your eyes
Cherish is the word I use to describe
All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I had told you
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could hold you
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could
Mold you into someone who could
Cherish me as much as I cherish you
And I do cherish you
And I do cherish you
Cherish is the word