About the song
“I Will Follow Him” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Originally recorded as an instrumental titled “Chariot” by Franck Pourcel in 1961, the song achieved its greatest success when it was reinterpreted with English lyrics by American singer Little Peggy March in 1963. The music for “I Will Follow Him” was composed by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat, who used the pseudonyms J.W. Stole and Del Roma, respectively. The English adaptation was the work of Arthur Altman, with lyrics by Norman Gimbel.
The most iconic version of the song was recorded by Little Peggy March on January 22, 1963, at RCA Victor Studio A in New York City, with Sammy Lowe conducting. The single, backed with “Wind Up Doll,” was released by RCA Victor and quickly climbed the charts. On April 27, 1963, March’s rendition of “I Will Follow Him” reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks. This achievement made March, at just 15 years old, the youngest female artist to have a U.S. chart-topping single. The song’s success was not limited to the United States; it also reached number one in Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, Uruguay, Canada, and New Zealand. Additionally, it topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart and the Cash Box Top 100 in a tandem ranking with versions by other artists, including Franck Pourcel, Petula Clark, and Rosemary Clooney.
The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its numerous accolades and covers. “I Will Follow Him” was one of the nominees for the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording. In 2011, Peggy March re-recorded the song with Dutch singer José Hoebee, who had also achieved chart-topping success with the song in the Netherlands and Belgium in 1982. This new version was eventually released on the German edition of March’s album “Always and Forever.”
“I Will Follow Him” is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and place. The song’s catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and March’s youthful exuberance have ensured its place in the annals of pop music history. Whether as an instrumental or with its evocative lyrics, “I Will Follow Him” remains a beloved piece that continues to inspire new generations of listeners.
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