"I Will Follow" Song Lyrics by U2

U2's song "I Will Follow," written by Bono, draws from his personal experience of losing his mother at a young age. Bono’s mother passed away when he was just 14, an event that had a profound impact on him. In the song, the imagery of a mother guiding her son is evocative, particularly in the first verse, where it feels as though she is pointing out the right path he should take.

This can be seen as a reflection on the advice or values she might have instilled in him, suggesting a contrast between the direction he was headed and the one she believed was best for him. The emotional weight of a young boy seeking guidance after such a loss permeates the lyrics, offering listeners a glimpse into Bono's internal struggle with grief and memory.

Additionally, the recurring line "I will follow" can be interpreted as more than just a son's loyalty to his mother. It may also symbolize Bono's broader commitment to his spiritual journey, especially in relation to his Christian faith.

The phrase speaks to a deeper devotion, suggesting that Bono is not only following the advice of his mother but also making a personal commitment to follow a higher calling. This duality in the lyrics, balancing the personal with the spiritual, makes the song resonate on multiple levels, blending themes of love, loss, and faith.

Boy album cover

I Will Follow is a live fan favorite and it crops up in tours all the time. 

"I Will Follow" Song Lyrics by U2

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 the 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
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 you 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
Follow!

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"I Will Follow" stands as one of U2’s most emotionally potent songs, weaving themes of loss, devotion, and resilience through both its lyrics and musical energy.

At its core, the song is Bono's homage to his mother, channeling the complex mix of love and pain that followed her early death. Yet, the powerful refrain of "I will follow" goes beyond a son's tribute; it echoes Bono's commitment to something larger—a journey that fuses his personal memories with his spiritual beliefs.

This dual narrative of family and faith allows the song to resonate deeply with audiences, as they connect with both the universal experience of loss and the hope that can arise from it. Live performances only intensify this connection, as "I Will Follow" continues to ignite crowds and reaffirm the profound themes of love, loyalty, and redemption that U2 has championed since their early days.

 
Check out More Boy Album Lyrics lyrics from U2, including The Electric Co.

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