About the song
In the early 1960s, a beautiful melody was born, one that would go on to capture the hearts of music lovers around the globe. “I Will Follow Him,” a song written by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat, with English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, has become an iconic anthem of devotion and loyalty. From its humble beginnings as an instrumental piece to its rise to international fame, this song has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The story of “I Will Follow Him” begins in 1961, when Franck Pourcel, a renowned French composer, recorded an instrumental version of the song, titled “Chariot.” This initial recording was released on Pourcel’s album “Amour, Danse, Et Violons. No.17” and on an EP on the La Voix de son Maître label. Little did Pourcel know that his creation would soon take on a life of its own, with numerous artists recording their own versions of the song.
One of the first vocalists to record “I Will Follow Him” was Petula Clark, who released a French-language version, also titled “Chariot,” in 1962. Clark’s rendition reached the top of the charts in Wallonia and earned her a gold record. Her English version, however, failed to chart in the UK and the US, despite being released by prominent labels.
It wasn’t until 1963, when American singer Little Peggy March recorded her version of “I Will Follow Him,” that the song achieved widespread success. March’s rendition, conducted by Sammy Lowe, spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the number one spot on April 27, 1963, and making her the youngest female artist to have a US chart-topping single at just 15 years old.
March’s version of “I Will Follow Him” went on to top the charts in numerous countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, and Uruguay. The song also reached number one on the Cash Box Top 100, with March’s version marked as a bestseller. The song’s success was so great that it was nominated for the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording.
Over the years, “I Will Follow Him” has been covered by numerous artists, including Percy Faith, who released an instrumental version in 1963, and José Hoebee, who recorded a version with Peggy March in 2011. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the emotions it evokes in listeners.
As we look back on the history of “I Will Follow Him,” it is clear that this song has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its message of devotion and loyalty continues to resonate with listeners around the world, making it a true classic of popular music.
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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