About the song
“My Way” is a song that has left a significant mark on music history, widely recognized for its powerful lyrics and memorable melody. Originally composed in French as “Comme d’habitude” by Jacques Revaux, Claude François, and Gilles Thibaut, it was first performed by Claude François in 1967. The English adaptation was created by Paul Anka, who, while vacationing in the south of France, heard the original and saw its potential for a new audience.
Anka, intrigued by the French song, quickly secured the rights to adapt it. He crafted the English lyrics with Frank Sinatra in mind, capturing the essence of a man reflecting on his life and achievements. Anka’s reworked version of the song presents a narrative of personal triumph and self-reflection, resonating with many listeners.
Sinatra recorded “My Way” in December 1968, and it was released in early 1969. His version of the song became a monumental success, spending an impressive 75 weeks in the UK Top 40 charts. In the US, it reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Easy Listening chart. The song’s success wasn’t confined to Sinatra alone; it was also embraced by other artists like Elvis Presley and Sid Vicious, highlighting its broad appeal across various musical genres.
Interestingly, despite its success and being associated with Sinatra, the singer himself reportedly had mixed feelings about the song. His daughter Tina mentioned that he found the song somewhat self-serving, although it became one of his most iconic performances.
Paul Anka’s adaptation, with its stirring lyrics and Sinatra’s memorable delivery, turned “My Way” into a timeless classic. In recognition of its enduring impact, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000. The story of “My Way” reflects a deep connection between a unique melody and the personal stories that make music so meaningful.
Video
Lyrics
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all, and I stood tall
And did it my way
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way