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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

Despite the title, you don't want to play this song at your wedding. While the singer does cherish the girl, he knows that he can't possibly have her, and comes off a little desperate and obsessive.

This was the followup to The Association's first hit "Along Comes Mary." The Association was popular in the Los Angeles area, but gained national fame when this was released.

The Association's keyboard player Terry Kirkman, wrote this in a half hour and incorporated it into their live act. Mike Whelan, who was in an earlier band with members of The Association, liked the song so much that he persuaded his new group, The New Christy Minstrels, to perform it as well. The Minstrels almost released it as a single before The Association.

Curt Boettcher produced this in a garage that was converted into a studio by Gary Paxton (of "Alley Oop" fame), but the recording has only two Association members on their instruments, the rest simply sang vocals. Boettcher used session musicians to play the other instruments.

Originally, this was 3:25 long. In an effort to encourage radio play, it was sped up and trimmed to 3:13, then listed on the label as 3:00. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for above 4)

In 1971, this was a #9 US hit for David Cassidy, who played Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family. It was his first hit, and he soon became a teen idol and star of the show.

This is #22 on BMI's list of the most played 100 songs on television and radio of the 20th century. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)

Comments:

Thanks, Don. Now I have everything. But, the girl.
- Ron, Hemet, CA

This is for my ol' pal, Ron. You always asked me to do this if I ever had a chance. So, since you haven't done this since March 1967, I'm doing it for you, now. Dedicating Cherish by the Association: To Micki from Ron. My pleasure, pal. --Don
- Don, L.A., CA

Desperate and obsessive is the human condition. Which one of us has never known unrequited love at one time or another in our life? This song is an absolute masterpiece, an opinion held by everyone from John Lennon and Paul McCartney to Brian Wilson, Paul Simon and Neil Young.
- Frank, Santa Cruz, CA

I like to pick all the harmonies of songs apart and try to sing them all. I am usually good at picking out the harmonies. I have tried and tried, and the harmonies are so difficult to pick out that I just can't get them all. Probably some of the most intricate harmonies ever!
- Ron, Auburndale, FL

I just wanted to correct a comment made about the making of this song--according to Jerry Scheff's website, he did the complicated bass work on "Along Comes Mary"--this is where the famous false note is played. The basslines on "Cherish" are quite straightforward by comparison.
- ginnykub, denver, CO

My friend Pete brought to my attention that the lyrics have a bit of a stalker element. To wit: 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 I love the song, but you have to admit it's a bit obsessive. Love...
- Phil, Brooklyn, NY

This song just makes me happy whenever I hear it.
- Pamela, Oregon, OH

In the 80's, both Kool & The Gang and Madonna reached #2 with different "Cherish" hits.
- Rick, San Juan, United States

I do not know why - perhaps it's those wedding bell sounds - but this song always makes me think of Mark Eubanks and the Newlywed Game. Weird, I know.
- Wes, Springfield, VA

ANDY WILLIAMS just released an "unreleased" version of the Association's "Cherish" a couple of years ago on his B-Sides & Rarities CD. One listen to HIM singing it and you'll want to play it again and again!!!!! His version is THAT GOOD!
- Dave, Oak Park, MI

The Association was originally asked to sing "MacArthur Park," but turned it down (probably because they felt the lyrics were absurd).
- Pudgemuffin, Buffalo, NY

Studio wizards Mike Deasy Sr. (guitar), and Jerry Scheff (bass) were brought in to handle the rhythm work. Much of the music was too complex for the regular band, who had to learn the parts from the studio players before they went out on the road. Scheff comments on his web page that there was a bad note in the bass line, that was left. It has since been played exactly the same way by many of those who have covered the song since.
- Mike, Seattle, WA

"The Happy Hooker", Xaveria Hollander, wrote that this was her favorite song
- Deana, Indianapolis, IN