Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in 1962 as the title track for the film Follow That Dream, Elvis Presley’s “Follow That Dream” is a bright, optimistic song that captures the spirit of hope and perseverance. Written by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, the track became one of Presley’s most charming early 1960s recordings, balancing pop accessibility with a message of encouragement. Issued as an EP along with other songs from the movie, the song reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart, proving that Presley’s lighter, inspirational material could resonate strongly with audiences.
Origins of the Song
The movie Follow That Dream was filmed in Florida in 1961 and released in 1962. It told the story of a quirky family who squats on Florida land and tries to make a life for themselves while clashing with bureaucrats and opportunists. Presley played Toby Kwimper, a naïve but good-hearted young man whose sincerity and determination win the day.
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Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, both frequent Presley collaborators, wrote the title song to reflect the film’s themes of optimism, simplicity, and resilience. Weisman—sometimes nicknamed “the King’s songwriter” for penning over 50 songs for Presley—crafted a melody that was light and catchy, while Wise’s lyrics emphasized encouragement and persistence.
Presley recorded the track on July 2, 1961, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, with the Jordanaires providing backing vocals.
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Why Elvis Released “Follow That Dream”
The song was released as part of the Follow That Dream EP in April 1962. Rather than being issued as a single from a full-length soundtrack album, RCA packaged a handful of songs from the film in a shorter format, a strategy often used for Presley’s movies at the time.
The track became the standout from the EP, climbing into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its message of chasing dreams and persevering struck a chord with listeners, aligning with the more wholesome, family-friendly image Presley often portrayed in his early 1960s films.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
At its core, “Follow That Dream” is about determination and the belief in following one’s heart:
“Follow that dream, I gotta follow that dream,
Keep on movin’, move along.”
The lyrics encourage the listener to keep pushing forward despite obstacles, emphasizing the value of personal conviction and persistence. Unlike Presley’s romantic ballads or dramatic rockers, this track serves as an anthem of motivation and positivity.
Presley’s performance balances sincerity with a touch of playfulness, making the message uplifting without feeling overly heavy-handed. His phrasing communicates warmth and optimism, embodying the straightforward moral of the film.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “Follow That Dream” is light and breezy, blending elements of pop, country, and gospel influences.
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Vocals: Presley’s delivery is earnest and clear, his voice carrying an upbeat tone perfectly suited to the inspirational lyrics.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement features acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, and piano. The rhythm is steady and upbeat, driving the song forward without overwhelming it.
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Backing vocals: The Jordanaires add smooth harmonies, reinforcing the inspirational feel.
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Mood: Cheerful and uplifting, the track reflects both the film’s lighthearted tone and Presley’s ability to adapt his voice to a wide range of material.
The polished Nashville production gives the song a radio-friendly quality, making it accessible while still authentic.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
“Follow That Dream” was well received upon release. As the centerpiece of the EP, it drove the record to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, a strong showing for a film-related release. On the Adult Contemporary chart, it performed even better, reaching number 5.
Culturally, the song reinforced Presley’s image in the early 1960s as a wholesome entertainer who could deliver uplifting messages alongside his more romantic and dramatic work. While the film itself was lighthearted and not considered one of Presley’s most important roles, the title track endured as one of his better inspirational songs.
The phrase “follow that dream” also became closely associated with Presley’s public image, symbolizing perseverance and optimism, values that resonated with his fans.
Legacy of “Follow That Dream”
Today, “Follow That Dream” is remembered as one of Elvis Presley’s standout soundtrack songs from the early 1960s. While not as commercially monumental as his biggest singles, it remains beloved for its message of hope and its catchy, uplifting melody.
For fans, the song represents Presley’s ability to bring sincerity to material that might otherwise have seemed lightweight. His performance elevates the lyrics, making the track feel genuine rather than contrived.
More broadly, the song has taken on symbolic significance. The phrase “follow that dream” has been used in Presley-related tributes, festivals, and fan culture, emphasizing its lasting inspirational power. The song continues to be a reminder of Presley’s versatility and his gift for connecting with audiences through both heart and voice.
More than sixty years after its release, “Follow That Dream” endures as a gentle anthem of perseverance and positivity. It is a testament to Presley’s charm, sincerity, and ability to transform even a simple soundtrack number into something timeless.