About The Song
Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him” is a song that transcends generations and cultures. This seemingly simple pop tune rose to international fame in 1963, becoming a chart-topping hit and launching the career of a teenage singer. But the story behind “I Will Follow Him” is more complex than just a catchy melody. Let’s delve into the background, musical style, lyrics, cultural impact, and lasting legacy of this iconic song.
Background
The origins of “I Will Follow Him” can be traced back to 1961. French composer Franck Pourcel, under the pseudonym J.W. Stole, and Paul Mauriat (using the alias Del Roma) created an instrumental piece titled “Chariot.” This orchestral song, with its sweeping strings and dramatic flair, captured the essence of a romantic pursuit.
“Chariot” found success in Europe, but it was destined for something bigger. In 1962, American songwriter Norman Gimbel heard the song and recognized its potential. He completely revamped it, crafting new lyrics in English titled “I Will Follow Him.” The lyrics transformed the song from a nameless pursuit into a story of unwavering devotion, sung from the perspective of a young woman dedicated to following the man she loves.
Finding the right voice for the song was crucial. RCA Victor, the record label, auditioned several established artists. However, it was a newcomer, 15-year-old Peggy March, who stole the show. Her youthful and enthusiastic vocals, along with her genuine innocence, perfectly embodied the spirit of the song.
On January 22, 1963, “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March (as she was then billed) was released. The song became an instant sensation. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number one and staying there for three weeks. “I Will Follow Him” wasn’t just a hit in the United States; it topped charts around the world, reaching number one in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries.
Musical Style
“I Will Follow Him” falls under the broad genre of pop music. However, it incorporates elements of several subgenres that were popular in the early 1960s.
- Orchestral Pop: The song heavily features strings, particularly violins and cellos, that create a lush and dramatic soundscape. This orchestral arrangement was a signature style of Franck Pourcel and was central to the original “Chariot.”
- Teen Pop: The addition of Peggy March’s youthful vocals and the lyrical theme of young love placed the song squarely in the burgeoning teen pop genre. Teen pop, a style that targeted young audiences, was a major force in the early 1960s.
- Doo-Wop Influences: The song’s catchy melody and background vocals, particularly the use of “oohs” and “ahhs,” hint at the influence of doo-wop, a style of vocal group harmony popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The fusion of these styles created a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible. The dramatic orchestral backing provided a sense of grandeur, while Peggy March’s vocals and the lyrical theme resonated with young listeners.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Will Follow Him” are deceptively simple. They tell the story of a young woman’s unwavering devotion to the man she loves. She declares her willingness to follow him “over mountains and through the stormy weather,” her love an unyielding force.
However, beneath the surface simplicity lies a deeper message. The song’s release coincided with the rise of feminism in the early 1960s. While some interpreted the lyrics as promoting a submissive female role, others saw them as a declaration of female empowerment. The woman in the song chooses to follow her love, not out of obligation, but out of unwavering dedication. This ambiguity in interpretation fueled the song’s cultural impact.
Here’s a closer look at some key lyrics:
- “If he sailed the seven seas, I would follow him on bended knees” – This line emphasizes the woman’s complete devotion.
- “Over mountains and through the stormy weather, I will follow him forever” – This imagery highlights the woman’s unwavering commitment, regardless of obstacles.
- “For my heart has found a home, and that home is with him alone” – This line speaks to the woman’s sense of belonging and fulfillment found in her love.
The open-ended nature of the lyrics allowed listeners to project their own interpretations, making the song relatable to a wide audience.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
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
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
I love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I’ll follow, forever, and ever
And side by side together, I’ll be with my true love
And share a thousand sunsets together beside him
I will 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
And where he goes I’ll follow, forever, and ever
And side by side together, I’ll be with my true love
And share a thousand sunsets together beside him
I will 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