“Cherish” is a timeless ode to the profound simplicity and enduring beauty of love, a gentle reminder to hold dear every precious moment shared.
For many of us, the very mention of The Partridge Family conjures a kaleidoscope of vibrant memories: the iconic multi-colored bus, the infectious smiles of Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, and a seemingly endless stream of wholesome, catchy tunes that became the soundtrack to our youth. Among their repertoire, the song “Cherish” holds a unique and particularly tender place in the hearts of those who remember it. Released in 1971 on their third album, “Sound Magazine,” this rendition of a beloved classic carried a distinct charm that perfectly encapsulated the innocence and warmth of the fictional musical family. It’s crucial to note, for those of us who appreciate the precise details of chart history, that while The Partridge Family had numerous hit singles, their version of “Cherish” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Instead, it became a cherished album track, deeply embedded in the fabric of the show and the collective memory of its viewers.
The story behind “Cherish” for The Partridge Family begins not with them, but with The Association, who first released the song in 1966. Their original version was an absolute phenomenon, soaring to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the defining ballads of the mid-1960s. Written by Terry Kirkman, it was a lyrical masterpiece, a gentle plea to embrace and appreciate every facet of a relationship, from the grand declarations to the quiet, everyday intimacies. When The Partridge Family took on “Cherish,” it was a natural fit for their wholesome, family-friendly image. The producers and musical directors of the show often selected popular, timeless songs that aligned with the show’s themes of love, family, and simple joys. Covering a song as universally loved as “Cherish” allowed them to infuse it with their own unique brand of pop innocence, broadening their appeal while staying true to the song’s beautiful core message.
The Partridge Family‘s interpretation of “Cherish” maintained the original’s tender spirit but imbued it with the distinctive vocal stylings of David Cassidy, whose voice, for so many of us, was the very essence of youthful longing and earnest emotion. His rendition brought a lighter, almost ethereal quality to the lyrics, transforming the song into a pure expression of burgeoning affection and unwavering devotion. For those of us who gathered around the television on Friday nights, this version of “Cherish” wasn’t just a song; it was a feeling. It was the feeling of a first crush, the comfort of family bonds, and the sweet, uncomplicated optimism that defined an era. It spoke to the universal desire to hold onto something precious, to value the simple acts of kindness, and to find profound beauty in the ordinary moments of life.
Listening to “Cherish” today, especially The Partridge Family’s version, is like stepping into a time machine. It’s a profound journey back to a period when life felt simpler, when the biggest concerns might have been finishing homework or catching the latest episode of our favorite show. The song’s meaning, at its heart, is a tender exhortation to truly see and appreciate those we love. It’s about cherishing a “kiss, a touch, a smile,” the quiet affirmations that often go unnoticed in the rush of daily life. For older readers, it’s a poignant reminder to reflect on the people who have graced our lives, the moments we’ve shared, and the enduring power of love that transcends time and circumstance. It stirs memories of youthful idealism, of dreaming big dreams, and of the profound comfort found in the simplest, most sincere connections.
Even without the chart-topping success of The Association‘s original, The Partridge Family‘s “Cherish” carved out its own enduring legacy. It’s a testament to the fact that some songs resonate not because of their commercial performance, but because they become intrinsically linked to a particular time, a specific feeling, or a beloved cultural touchstone. It reminds us of a time when music on television was a shared experience, bringing families together and shaping the emotional landscape of a generation. Decades later, its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia, inviting us to pause, reflect, and, indeed, to cherish the beautiful memories and enduring loves that have shaped our own unique journeys.