Song Information
“My Cherie Amour” is originally a song written by Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy, and Henry Cosby. It was first recorded by Stevie Wonder in late 1967 and officially released in July 1969 under Motown’s Tamla label. The song became one of Stevie Wonder’s most enduring hits, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Its smooth blend of soul and pop elements made it an instant classic.
Andy Williams, known for his timeless voice and elegant interpretations, recorded his own version of “My Cherie Amour” in 1970 for his album Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head. His rendition highlighted the romantic, crooning quality of the song, giving it a softer and more orchestral feel compared to Stevie Wonder’s soulful original. Williams’s version resonated with his audience, fitting perfectly into his catalog of romantic ballads and strengthening his reputation as one of the great interpreters of popular music.
Song Content
“My Cherie Amour” is a romantic ballad dedicated to a woman who feels both near and far at the same time. The lyrics describe a love that is deep but unattainable—an affection directed toward someone who may not even notice the admirer. The French phrase “cherie amour” translates to “my darling love,” setting the tone for an intimate yet bittersweet story.
The verses highlight imagery of seeing her “in a café or sometimes on a crowded street,” always beautiful, yet always distant. The narrator confesses that although she is close enough to see, she remains emotionally out of reach, existing almost like a dream. The mixture of tenderness and melancholy makes the song deeply relatable for anyone who has ever loved someone in silence.
Andy Williams’s interpretation brought an additional layer of refinement to the song. His smooth delivery and lush orchestral arrangement emphasized the longing and tenderness, making the piece less about youthful infatuation and more about mature, heartfelt yearning. Through his voice, the song becomes not just a declaration of love but also a quiet confession of vulnerability.
Explanation of the Underlying Message
At its heart, “My Cherie Amour” touches on the universal theme of unrequited love. The narrator adores someone who may never know the depth of his feelings. This conflict between passion and silence creates the tension that gives the song its lasting power. The lyrics show how love can be both beautiful and painful—beautiful in the act of admiring someone so deeply, and painful because that affection may never be returned.
The song also reveals a deeper psychological truth: people often romanticize what they cannot have. The woman in the song is elevated almost to an ideal, perhaps even unattainable image, which raises the question—does the narrator love her, or the idea of her? Andy Williams’s version accentuates this ambiguity. His refined performance transforms the song into something that feels more reflective, almost like a memory of a love that was never realized.
For many listeners, this explains the song’s enduring appeal. We all carry silent loves or unspoken feelings at some point in our lives. “My Cherie Amour” captures that quiet ache, reminding us that love is not only about fulfillment but also about longing, dreams, and the bittersweet beauty of what might have been.
Watch the Song
Lyrics
Lalala…
My cherie amour, lovely as a summer day
My cherie amour, distant as the milky way
My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore
You’re the only girl my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine
Yeah, in this small cafe or sometimes on a crowded street
I’ve been near you but you never noticed me
My cherie amour, won’t you tell me how could you ignore?
That behind that little smile I wore
How I wish that you were mine
Lalala…
I wish someday you’ll see my face among the crowd
Maybe someday I’ll share your little distant cloud
Oh, cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore
You’re the only girl my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine, mine
Lalala…