About The Song
In 1966, amidst the California sunshine and the burgeoning sunshine pop scene, a song bloomed that would reach the top of the charts and linger in the cultural memory: “Cherish” by The Association. But beneath its saccharine melody and honeyed harmonies lies a story more complex than mere adoration.
Born from a half-hour songwriting session by Terry Kirkman, “Cherish” wasn’t initially intended for The Association. Its introspective lyrics, tinged with uncertainty and possessiveness, wrestled with the question of love’s true nature. Is it about cherishing someone for who they are, or holding them close against a perceived threat from “a thousand other guys”?
The song’s journey to stardom was almost derailed when The New Christy Minstrels nearly secured its release. Luckily, fate intervened, and The Association’s version – with its layered vocals, cascading strings, and infectious melody – soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the charts for three weeks, becoming their signature hit and earning them the nickname “The Ballad Kings.”
“Cherish” resonated with a generation navigating the turbulent waters of young love. Its contradictory message – both tender and possessive – mirrored the complexities of teenage infatuation. While some critics denounced its “bloodless affair” and “sickly-sweet melody,” for countless others, it became an anthem of devotion, echoing in school dances and car radios across the country.
But “Cherish” is more than a love song. It’s a snapshot of a bygone era, where sunshine pop painted the airwaves and California dreams shimmered on the horizon. It’s a testament to the enduring power of melody and harmony, and a reminder that even the sweetest sentiments can hold unforeseen depths. So, when you hear the first notes of “Cherish,” prepare to be transported back to a time of innocence, angst, and a melody that refuses to fade away.
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Lyrics
Cherish is the word I use to describeAll the feeling that I have hiding here for you insideYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I had told youYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could hold youYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I couldMold you into someone who couldCherish me as much as I cherish you
Perish is the word that more than appliesTo the hope in my heart each time I realizeThat I am not gonna be the one to share your dreamsThat I am not gonna be the one to share your schemesThat I am not gonna be the one to shareWhat seems to be the life that you couldCherish as much as I do yours
Oh, I’m beginning to think that man has never foundThe words that could make you want meThat have the right amount of letters, just the right soundThat could make you hear, make you seeThat you are drivin’ me out of my mind
Oh, I could say I need you but then you’d realizeThat I want you just like a thousand other guysWho’d say they loved you With all the rest of their liesWhen all they wanted was to touch your face, your handsAnd gaze into your eyes
Cherish is the word I use to describeAll the feeling that I have hiding here for you insideYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I had told youYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could hold youYou don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I couldMold you into someone who couldCherish me as much as I cherish you
And I do cherish youAnd I do cherish youCherish is the word
