Cherry, Cherry – Neil Diamond

About the Song

Neil Diamond, the musical chameleon who delivered powerful ballads and introspective stories, showcased a different side with his 1966 hit, Cherry, Cherry. This infectiously energetic song pulsates with youthful excitement, capturing the innocent infatuation and giddy anticipation of teenage love.

Cherry, Cherry explodes onto the scene with a driving beat and a bouncy piano melody. Diamond’s vocals, brimming with youthful exuberance, paint a picture of a smitten young man completely captivated by a girl named Cherry. The lyrics, simple yet evocative (“The girl’s outta sight, yeah / Says she loves me, yes, yes she does”), perfectly capture the heady rush of first love and the exhilarating feeling of being swept off your feet.

The song’s chorus is an irresistible singalong anthem. Diamond’s repeated refrain of “Cherry, Cherry” becomes a joyous chant, echoing the protagonist’s infatuation and the anticipation of a promised date. The use of playful background vocals (“sh-boom”) adds to the song’s lighthearted and carefree vibe.

Cherry, Cherry isn’t just about a fleeting crush; it celebrates the optimism and wide-eyed wonder of youth. The song captures the thrill of new experiences, the excitement of stolen glances across a crowded room, and the hopefulness that anything is possible with love.

The musical arrangement in Cherry, Cherry perfectly complements the lyrics. The driving rhythm section keeps the energy high, while the prominent use of handclaps and tambourines adds a playful, almost theatrical element. The song’s overall sound is reminiscent of the early days of rock and roll, with a healthy dose of Diamond’s signature pop sensibilities.

While not one of Diamond’s most complex songs, Cherry, Cherry remains a beloved classic for a reason. It’s a timeless snapshot of teenage infatuation, a celebration of youthful excitement, and a reminder of the simple joys of falling head over heels. Whether experienced firsthand or simply a cherished memory, Cherry, Cherry evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when the world seemed full of possibilities and love was a thrilling adventure waiting to unfold.

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Lyrics: “Cherry, Cherry”

Baby loves me, yes, yes she does
Ah, the girl’s outta sight, yeah
Says she loves me, yes, yes she does
Mmm, gonna show me tonight, yeah

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
(She got the way to groove me)
All right

Tell your mama, girl, I can’t stay long
We got things we gotta catch up on
Mmm, you know
You know what I’m sayin’
Can’t stand still while the music is playin’
All right

Y’ain’t got no right, no, no you don’t
Ah, to be so exciting
Won’t need bright lights, no, no we won’t
Gonna 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
(She got the way to groove me)

No, we won’t tell a soul where we gone to
Girl, we do whatever we want to
Ah, I love the way that you do me
Cherry, babe, you really get to me

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
(She got the way to groove me)
Cherry….