Music: Cherish The Day

I mean...could I do a month of features on Romance and not mention Sade? Here's a fun fact: Sade actually refers to the entire band, named after lead singer Sade Adu. Depending on who you talk to Sade is pronounced a variety of ways but my research says the correct pronunciation is "shah-DAY". No matter how you say it, you'll hear "Love".


Sade formed in London in 1983. Their success in Europe was immediate with their debut album Diamond Life. And when "Smooth Operator" was released as the third single off the album, their success went international. Diamond Life has been certified four times platinum! Each of the five albums released since then have brought them continued success.

But who is this captivating woman who croons over guitar? Sade Adu was born Helen Folasade Adu in 1959 in Oyo State, Nigeria. Her middle name, Folasade, means "honor confers your crown". Her father lectured in economics and her mother was an English district nurse. Though she was born in Nigeria, when her parents encountered marriage difficulties she moved with her mother to London.

London would become the gateway to Adu's musical career. She moved around briefly before returning to London and attending Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where she joined the soul band, Pride. It was from this band that Adu and four other members broke off and formed Sade.

There is a catalog of songs that I could have chosen for this feature. Love appears to be the dominant theme for Sade. "By Your Side" was a close contender, but "Cherish The Day" has always spoken to me as a perpetually single man.

If every saint has a past, every sinner has a future. "Cherish The Day" is easily interpreted to this idea. Like Lilac, the flower symbolizing the first emotions of love, this song seems to deal with that fascination of an ardent crush. Lyrics like "If you were mine, I wouldn't want to go to heaven" tell a story of an admirer. Adu is fascinated by this person, "you rule in the way that I move". And for what could be the first time learns about true love, "you show me how deep love can be".

What gives with the sinner reference? Well, the chorus of the song "Cherish the day, I won't go astray" make me think that this person has a past where they were never really committed to one person or idea. It's almost like a plead for forgiveness, not necessarily to the person, but maybe to the universe. When "you show me how deep love can be" is followed by "this is my prayer", you wonder if the bigger picture is simply just a chance to love, instead of a chance to love a specific person.

Or it's possible I've read far too deep into this one. Which I have a tendency to do!

The video is shot in black and white and features Adu playing guitar atop New York city skyscrapers. It's pretty brilliant when you pay attention the way the frame moves harmoniously with the sighs of the music. Pay attention below! Enjoy.