I Will Follow Thee, Saviour

By James L. Elginburg

Lyrics

1. I will follow Thee, my Savior,
Wheresoe’er my lot may be;
Where Thou goest I will follow,
Yes, my Lord, I’ll follow Thee.

Refrain:
I will follow Thee, my Savior,
Thou didst shed Thy blood for me;
And though all men should forsake Thee,
By Thy grace I’ll follow Thee.

2. Though the road be rough and stormy,
Trackless as the foaming sea,
Thou hast trod this way before me,
And I gladly follow Thee.

3. Though ’tis lone and dark and dreary,
Cheerless though my path may be,
If Thy voice I hear before me,
Fearlessly I’ll follow Thee.

4. Though I meet with tribulation,
Sorely tempted though I be,
I remember Thou wast tempted,
And rejoice to follow Thee.

5. Though Thou leadest through afflictions,
Poor, forsaken though I be,
Thou wast destitute, afflicted,
And I only follow Thee.

Bible Reference

Luke 9:57

About This Hymn

“I Will Follow Thee” is a heartfelt hymn of discipleship and devotion, expressing the believer’s resolve to follow Christ wherever He leads. Written by James L. Elginburg, this hymn draws inspiration directly from the words of Jesus in Luke 9:57, which recounts a man’s bold proclamation of loyalty to the Savior. The lyrics reflect a deep desire for surrender, obedience, and steadfastness in the Christian walk, even through trials and uncertainties. Its message aligns with the New Testament emphasis on discipleship, calling believers to forsake all and follow Jesus fully.

Although less widely known today, this hymn was a meaningful part of 19th-century gospel hymnody, resonating with believers who valued heartfelt expressions of faith. Hymns like this were often sung during revival meetings, evangelistic services, and times of personal consecration, encouraging worshippers to commit their lives to Christ’s service. The melody, often paired with a simple gospel tune, made it easy for congregations to sing, while the text invited a personal and reflective response.

James L. Elginburg, while not as widely documented as other hymn writers of his time, contributed meaningfully to American gospel hymn traditions. “I Will Follow Thee” is a testament to the era’s emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ, the willingness to endure hardship for His sake, and the joy of walking closely with Him. Even though the hymn may not be as frequently sung in modern worship settings, its scriptural foundation and message of unwavering devotion remain timeless, making it a valuable piece for historical hymn collections and devotional study.