Aug 1, 1989 // "Cherish" directed by Herb Ritts was the album "Like a Prayer's" third single to get released.

"Cherish" by Madonna was from her fourth studio album Like a Prayer (1989). It was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, and was released by Sire Records as the album's third single on August 1, 1989. "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 "Cherish" by the 1960s band The Association. Musically constructed as adoo-wop style pop song, it is regarded as a light-hearted track by critics and includes instruments such as drum machine, percussions, keyboards and a saxophone. Lyrically, it speaks of Madonna's devotion to her lover, and her promise to be always by his side. "Cherish" was included on Madonna's greatest hits compilations The Immaculate Collection (1990) and the two-disc edition of Celebration (2009).

"Cherish" features a black-and-white music video that was directed by Herb Ritts and was filmed in July 1989 at Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California.

Lyrics

Cherish, cherish

So tired of broken hearts and losing at this game
Before I start this dance
I take a chance in telling you
I want more than just romance
You are my destiny
I can't let go
Baby can't you see
Cupid please take your aim at me

Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
Oh baby I cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life
I'm always singing it
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
And baby I perish the thought
Of ever leaving
I never would

I was never satisfied with casual encounters
I can't hide my need for two hearts that bleed
With burning love
That's the way it's got to be
Romeo and Juliet they never felt this way I bet
So don't underestimate my point of view

Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
Oh baby I cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life
I'm always singing it
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
And baby I perish the thought
Of ever leaving
I never would

Who? You!
Can't get away, I won't let you
Who? You!
I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of
Your love

You're givin' it
You're givin' it to me boy
Keep giving me all-all-all your joy
Give me faith
I will always cherish you

Romeo and Juliet they never felt this way I bet
So don't underestimate my point of view

Who? You!
Can't get away, I won't let you
Who? You!
I could never forget to
Cherish is the word I use to remind me of
Your love

Cherish the thought
Of always having you here by my side
Oh baby I cherish the joy
You keep bringing it into my life
I'm always singing it
Cherish your strength
You got the power to make me feel good
And baby I perish the thought
Of ever leaving
I never would

Cherish
Give me faith
Give me joy, my boy
I will always cherish you
Give me faith
Give me joy, my boy
I will always cherish you

Cherish your strength
(You're givin' it, you're givin' it to me boy)
Can't get away, I won't let you
(Keep giving me all your joy)
Perish the thought
(You're givin' it, you're givin' it to me boy)
I could never forget to
(Keep giving me all your joy)

Cherish the thought
(Give me faith, give me joy, my boy I will always cherish you)
(Can't get away, can't get away)
Cherish the joy
(Give me faith, give me joy, my boy I will always cherish you)
(Can't get away, can't get away)
Cherish the strength
(You're givin' it to me boy, keep giving me all your joy)
(Can't get away, can't get away)
Perish the thought
(You're givin' it to me boy, keep giving me all your joy)
(Can't get away, can't get away)

Cherish the thought
(Give me faith, give me joy, my boy I will always cherish you)
(Can't get away, can't get away)
Cherish the joy
(Give me faith, give me joy, my boy I will always cherish you)
(Can't get away, can't get away)