About the song
“I Will Follow Him,” originally recorded as an instrumental piece titled “Chariot” by Franck Pourcel in 1961, found its greatest success when reimagined with English lyrics and performed by American singer Little Peggy March in 1963. This rendition, with lyrics by Norman Gimbel set to music co-written by Franck Pourcel (credited as JW Stole) and Paul Mauriat (credited as Del Roma), catapulted the song to international fame.
The song’s instrumental version first appeared on Franck Pourcel’s 1961 album “Châu Âu , Danse, Et Violons,” showcasing Pourcel’s collaboration with fellow French musician Paul Mauriat. Mauriat later released an instrumental rendition in 1976 on his album “Paul Mauriat Plays the Hit of 1976,” underscoring the enduring appeal of the melody.
In 1963, Percy Faith also contributed to the song’s popularity with an instrumental cover titled “I Will Follow Him,” featured prominently on his album “Themes for Young Lovers.” Faith’s rendition spent 28 weeks on the Billboard Top LPs chart, peaking at number 32 and earning him a gold record.
The song’s versatility extended to different language adaptations and interpretations by various artists. Petula Clark, for instance, released a French version titled “Chariot” in 1962, which topped charts in Wallonia and reached high positions in France and Flanders. Clark’s English rendition achieved moderate success in Denmark but failed to chart in the UK and US.
Little Peggy March’s rendition of “I Will Follow Him” became a phenomenon in its own right. At just 15 years old, March topped charts in multiple countries including the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, and Uruguay. Her version spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her as the youngest female artist at the time to achieve this feat.
The song’s widespread popularity and enduring legacy highlight its ability to resonate across cultures and generations, solidifying “I Will Follow Him” as a timeless classic in the realm of popular music. Whether through its instrumental arrangements or poignant vocal performances, the song continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow
I will follow him
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn’t an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep me away
I must follow him (follow him)
Ever since he touched my hand I knew
That near him I always must be
And nothing can keep him from me
He is my destiny (destiny)
I love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow
He’ll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever
I will follow him (follow him)
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn’t an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love (I love him, I love him, I love him)
I love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow
He’ll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever
I will follow him (follow him)
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn’t an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love
And where he goes I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow
I know I’ll always love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow, I’ll follow, I’ll follow
I know I’ll always love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow