About The Song
Ah, the 1970s! A time of wide lapels, platform shoes, and a soundtrack that pulsated with the irresistible beat of disco. Among the chart-topping sensations of that era was the Euro-Caribbean group, Boney M., known for their infectious melodies and dazzling stage presence. Today, we revisit one of their most beloved hits, a song that captured the romantic yearning and dancefloor euphoria of the disco age: “My Chérie Amour.”
Released in 1978, “My Chérie Amour” wasn’t an original Boney M. composition. It was a cover of a soulful ballad written by the legendary Stevie Wonder in 1969. Boney M.’s producer, Frank Farian, recognized the song’s potential and transformed it into a disco anthem. Gone were the slow tempos and introspective lyrics of the original. Farian infused “My Chérie Amour” with a driving bass line, shimmering synths, and the unmistakable vocal stylings of Liz Mitchell and the other members of Boney M.
The song opens with a cascade of “la la las,” instantly drawing the listener into its infectious groove. The lyrics paint a picture of a lovestruck young man hopelessly smitten with a beautiful woman, “My Chérie Amour,” which translates to “My Dearest Love” in French. He describes her as “lovely as a summer day” and “distant as the milky way,” highlighting the unattainable nature of his affection.
But “My Chérie Amour” isn’t just about unrequited love. It’s also a celebration of hope and the thrill of the chase. The singer recounts brushing shoulders with his beloved in a cafe or on a crowded street, yearning for her to notice him. He pleads with her, “My Chérie Amour, won’t you tell me how could you ignore / That behind that little smile I wore / How I wish that you were mine?” The song’s optimism lies in the belief that someday she might see him, and their paths will finally converge.
Boney M.’s “My Chérie Amour” became a global phenomenon, topping charts across Europe and becoming a signature song for the group. It captured the spirit of disco, a genre that transcended musical boundaries and united people on the dance floor. Whether you remember swaying to the song in a crowded discotheque or simply enjoying its catchy melody on the radio, “My Chérie Amour” remains a timeless classic that continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pure disco joy.