Madonna: Cherish (1989) Online

Madonna: Cherish (1989) Online

"Cherish" was accompanied by a black-and-white music video that was directed by Herb Ritts and was filmed on July 22, 1989 at Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California. In the video, Madonna plays herself, while three co-actors dressed as mermen swim in and out of the sea. Its world premiere took place on MTV on August 28, 1989.

"Cherish" was built around the themes of love and relationships, with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet being one of the major inspirations.

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 Celebration (2009).

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.

Madonna performed "Cherish" on her Blond Ambition World Tour (1990), where the performance included her dancers dressed up as mermen.

In 2009, during an interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna confessed that she had never been able to predict if her songs would be successful, irrespective of her personal opinion of them. As an example, she cited "Cherish" as one of the most "retarded" songs she had written, but noted it became a commercial success.

"Cherish" is composed in the time signature of common time, with a moderately fast tempo of 130 beats per minute.

"Cherish" helped Madonna to win the "Top Adult Contemporary Artist" trophy at the 1989 Billboard Music Awards.

In the Netherlands, "Cherish" debuted at number 24 on the Dutch Top 40 chart, and reached a peak of number 15, the next week.

An alternative rock cover of the song by The Prayers was included on the 2007 Madonna tribute compilation Through the Wilderness.