I Will Follow

U2

About I Will Follow

"I Will Follow" is a song by rock band U2. It is the opening track from their debut album, Boy, and it was released as the album's second single, in October 1980. Lead singer Bono wrote the lyrics to "I Will Follow" in tribute to his mother who died when he was 14 years old. "I Will Follow" is the only song that U2 have performed on every tour since they released their first album. The song was U2's first music video, directed by Meiert Avis in Dublin, Ireland. The song was issued five times, first in 1981 on a 7" vinyl in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, second on the same format in the United States and Canada, third in the Netherlands in 1982 with a track from 1981's October, in 1983 with a live version of the song, and finally in 2011 with a live version of the song recorded at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival.  


Year:
1980
45 

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I will follow

I was on the outside when you said
You said you needed me
I was looking at myself
I was blind, I could not see

A boy tries hard to be a man
His mother takes him by his hand
If he stops to think he starts to cry
Oh why

If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow

If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow, I will follow

I was on the inside
When they pulled the four walls down
I was looking through the window
I was lost, I am found

Walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow
If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow
I will follow

Your eyes make a circle
I see you when I go in there
Your eyes, your eyes, your eyes, your eyes

If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow

If you walk away, walk away
I walk away, walk away, I will follow

I will follow
I will follow
I will follow
I will follow
I will follow

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U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. more »

10 fans

Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, PAUL HEWSON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release Date
"I Will Follow" is the opening track from U2's debut album, 'Boy', which was released on October 20, 1980.
Genre
The song is considered as a post-punk anthem, featuring distinctive guitar riffs and stirring vocals.
Inspirational Background
"I Will Follow" is a tribute to Bono’s mother who passed away when he was a teenager, making it a deeply personal and emotionally charged track.
Popularity
Despite being released as a part of their debut album, the song remains one of U2's most popular and frequently performed live songs.
Chart Success
The song did not chart highly in the UK or US upon its initial release, but it reached number 20 in the Irish Singles Chart in November 1980.
Performances
It is the only song that U2 has performed at least once on every tour since they released their first album.
Cover Art
The album’s cover features a picture of a young boy, Peter Rowen, who was the brother of a friend of Bono’s. He is also featured on the cover of three other U2 albums.
Live Debut
The song was first played live on May 26, 1980, several months before the release of the 'Boy' album.
Music Video
The music video for "I Will Follow" was directed by Meiert Avis and shot in black and white.
Religious Interpretation
Some interpretations of the song suggest a spiritual dimension to the lyrics, which Bono has acknowledged, highlighting the dual nature of the song's themes: worldly and otherworldly.
Critical Acclaim
Featured in numerous 'Best Of' lists by music critics, "I Will Follow" is often cited as an example of U2's rock sound, setting the stage for the band's future success.
Different Versions
There are also two different single versions of "I Will Follow", a studio version and a live version from the 'Under a Blood Red Sky' album.
Rotation
The song is so popular among U2 fans that it has been played over 800 times in concert, making it one of the band’s most frequently played songs.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

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