Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Thanks for My Child | Throwback Vibez

In the 72nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Thanks for My Child” by Cheryl Pepsii Riley.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 72^nd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Thanks for My Child” performed by Cheryl Pepsii Riley.

“You came into my life / You just made everything right / And even though / My man has left me behind / I don’t regret a thing for having you.” The you that R&B singer and actress Cheryl Pepsii Riley references is a child.  The child is the center of her touching 1988 single, “Thanks for My Child”.  The song does not reflect Riley’s experience, but she sings it so authentically, honestly, and tenderly that you buy every word she sings.  She sells it brilliantly. “Thanks for My Child” is the second track from her debut album, Me, Myself and I. Who was the force behind the songwriting and production of this touching ballad? Full Force penned and produced this late 80s gem that peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts.

“Thanks for My Child” features a cool and smooth production. The sound exemplifies late 1980s R&B. The palette includes synthesized sounds (including strings) courtesy of keys, pads, and synths.  Throughout, there a sweet musical riffs and motives.  The main attraction is Cheryl Pepsii Riley, who gives an authentic, beautiful, and honest performance. Her sincerity is a key reason why this song is so successful.  Beyond her lead, Riley receives great reinforcement from background vocals.  “You make my life worth singing a song / With You,” she sings, adding, “Right here with me / I’ll have the strength to go on.” Aww ! The melodies are tuneful, particularly in the centerpiece, the heart-wrenching chorus:

“Thanks for my child
I’m really thanking You
The man above
Thanks for my child
You brought me so much joy
This bundle of love.”

Another feature that shines is child sounds, which adds to the authenticity and allure. The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, where Riley sings, “I understand your language / Your baby talk / You forgot to crawl / Before you walked.” Again, aww ! The maternal perspective of “Thanks for My Child” is the biggest thing that makes it truly fantastic. Despite a bad situation – “Papa can’t preach / Papa was a rolling stone / Because he left his beautiful / Cause he left us all alone” – the mother is blessed and thankful for this beautiful child. Cheryl Pepsii Riley put her foot into this classic, which deserved even more recognition.

Cheryl Pepsii Riley // Me, Myself and I // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1988

Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Thanks for My Child: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 72 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]