About the song
Background
- Released in 1966, “Cherry, Cherry” was actually written by songwriting duo Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, not Neil Diamond himself.
- It became Diamond’s first major hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song’s catchy melody and driving beat are characteristic of mid-1960s pop-rock.
- Though not written by him, Diamond clearly enjoyed performing “Cherry, Cherry” including it on his successful 1972 live album “Hot August Night.”
Themes
- Infatuation: The lyrics express a strong attraction to a girl named Cherry. The singer fixates on her physical appearance (“red dress, shinin’ shoes”) and her captivating personality (“walkin’ down the street”).
- Obsessive Desire: The song borders on obsession, with the singer repeating “Cherry, Cherry” relentlessly. This intensity captures the all-consuming nature of a new crush.
- Youthful Exuberance: The energetic music and repetitive lyrics reflect a youthful, carefree feeling. It’s a song about the excitement of seeing someone you’re smitten with.
Video
Lyrics
Baby loves me, yes, yes she doesAh, the girl’s outta sight, yeahSays she loves me, yes, yes she doesMmm, gonna show me tonight, yeah
Hey, she got the way to move me, Cherry(She got the way to groove me)(She got the way to move me)Cherry, baby(She got the way to groove me)All right
Tell your mama, girl, I can’t stay longWe got things we gotta catch up onMmm, you know, you know what I’m sayin’Can’t stand still while the music is playin’Hey, all right
Y’ain’t got no right, no, no you don’tAh, to be so excitingWon’t need bright lights, no, no we won’tGonna make our own lightning
Hey, she got the way to move me, Cherry(She got the way to groove me)Cherry, baby(She got the way to move me) Uh huh(She got the way to groove me)
No, we won’t tell a soul where we gone toGirl, we do whatever we want toAh, I love the way that you do meCherry, babe, you really get to me
Hey, she got the way to move me, Cherry(She got the way to groove me)Cherry baby
All right(She got the way to groove me) Cherry(She got the way to grove me) Yeah, see