Introduction
While the melody of “I Will Follow You” might get stuck in your head today, its origins lie in the early 1960s teen idol scene. Released in 1963, the song found a home on Ricky Nelson’s album “For Your Sweet Love.” Nelson, a heartthrob for a generation, was known for his smooth vocals and energetic performances. “I Will Follow You” falls right in line with this style, offering a sweet and sincere declaration of devotion.
The songwriting team behind “I Will Follow You” is a trio of successful hitmakers: Norman Gimbel, Arthur Altman, and Del Roma. While not as widely known as Nelson himself, these names were behind the scenes of many a popular song in the era. Their work for Nelson included other tracks on “For Your Sweet Love” like “String Along” and “You Don’t Love Me Anymore.”
“I Will Follow You” itself is a classic example of a teen love song. The lyrics express unwavering devotion, with Nelson singing about following his love “wherever you may go” and that “there isn’t an ocean too deep” or “mountain so high” that could keep them apart. The song’s simple yet catchy melody and Nelson’s charming delivery likely contributed to its popularity amongst teenagers of the time.
Despite its initial success, “I Will Follow You” hasn’t reached the iconic status of some of Nelson’s other hits. However, the song remains a delightful snapshot of a bygone era in popular music. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and let Ricky Nelson serenade you with his unwavering devotion in “I Will Follow You.”