Cherokee
Johnny Smith and Stan Getz Lyrics


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Sweet Indian maiden, since first I met you,
I can't forget you, Cherokee sweetheart.

Child of the prairie, your love keeps calling,
My heart enthralling, Cherokee.

Dreams of summertime, of lover time gone by,
Throng my memory so tenderly, and sigh. My





Sweet Indian maiden, one day I'll hold you,
In my arms fold you, Cherokee.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "Cherokee" by Johnny Smith and Stan Getz tells the story of a love-struck man who cannot forget a beautiful Native American woman he's met. The singer refers to her as his "Cherokee sweetheart" and notes that her love has "enthralled" his heart. He dreams of times they spent together in the warm summer months, and his memories of her are tender, causing him to sigh. The song ends with the singer promising to one day hold her in his arms.


Through these lyrics, we can gather that the singer has a deep admiration and love for this Native American woman. He is enchanted by her beauty and is swept away by the love she has bestowed upon him. The imagery of the prairie that is evoked in these lyrics is fascinating because it adds a layer to the story by depicting the setting in which the two lovers met. The singer's tone throughout the song is wistful and full of longing, reflecting his desire to be reunited with his "Cherokee sweetheart."


Line by Line Meaning

Sweet Indian maiden, since first I met you,
Addressing the Native American woman he fell in love with, the singer admits that he hasn't been able to forget about her ever since they've met.


I can't forget you, Cherokee sweetheart.
The singer confesses that he can't get the Cherokee girl out of his mind and that she has become very dear to him.


Child of the prairie, your love keeps calling,
Referring to the girl's Native American roots, the singer says that her love for him is persistent and compelling, pulling him back to her.


My heart enthralling, Cherokee.
The Cherokee girl has completely captivated the singer's heart, and he can't resist her allure.


Dreams of summertime, of lover time gone by,
The singer reminisces about the good old days with his past lovers, and how the memories of those times still persist.


Throng my memory so tenderly, and sigh. My
His memories of the past lovers remind him of good times and makes him sigh with fondness.


Sweet Indian maiden, one day I'll hold you,
The singer expresses his desire to embrace the Cherokee girl someday, indicating his deep feelings for her.


In my arms fold you, Cherokee.
In a romantic gesture, the singer imagines holding the Cherokee maiden in his arms and expresses his love for her.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ray Noble

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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