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