Cherish (Madonna Song)

Cherish (Madonna Song)

"Cherish" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released as the third single from her fourth studio album Like a Prayer on August 1, 1989, by Sire Records. The song was also included on the 1990 compilation album The Immaculate Collection and the two-disc edition of her 2009 compilation Celebration. Written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, "Cherish" was built around the themes of love and relationship, with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet being one of the major inspirations. The track also included a line from the similarly titled song by the 1960s band The Association. Musically constructed as a doo-wop style pop song, "Cherish" is regarded as a light-hearted track by critics and includes instruments such as drum machine, percussions, keyboards and a saxophone. Lyrically it talks about Madonna's devotion to her lover, and her promise to be always by his side.

After its release, "Cherish" received positive feedback from reviewers, who were surprised by the change of content and the lighter image of Madonna's music, unlike her previous singles from Like a Prayer which incorporated themes such as religion and sexuality. They also compared the lyrics of the song to words spoken by Juliet, in William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. "Cherish" was also a commercial success, reaching the top-ten of the charts in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom and the combined European chart. On the Billboard Hot 100, "Cherish" became Madonna's 16th consecutive top-five single, setting a record in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

A black-and-white music video of the song was directed by photographer Herb Ritts at the Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California. In the video, Madonna played herself, while three co-actors who were dressed as Mermen swam in and out of the sea. Academics noted that the Mermen became symbols for the homosexual community and the oppression it faced. Madonna performed "Cherish" on her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour, where the performance included her dancers dressed up as Mermen. The symbolism was seen to de-sexualize men, relegating them to objects of desire.

Read more about Cherish (Madonna Song):  Background, Composition, Critical Reception, Chart Performance, Music Video, Live Performance and Covers, Track Listing and Formats, Credits and Personnel

Famous quotes containing the word cherish:

    Rocks writhe back to sight.
    Mussels, limpets,
    Husband their tenacity
    In the freezing slither
    Creatures, I cherish you!
    Philip Larkin (1922–1986)