Introduction:
“My Way” is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic performances, although the song was originally written for Frank Sinatra. The English lyrics were crafted by Paul Anka in 1968, based on the French song “Comme d’habitude” composed by Jacques Revaux, with lyrics by Claude François and Gilles Thibaut. Anka rewrote the song specifically for Sinatra, who recorded it in 1969, but it later became a popular piece for various artists, including Presley.
Elvis first performed “My Way” live during his famous “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert in 1973, a globally broadcasted event that cemented his influence as a live performer. The song resonated deeply with Elvis, particularly toward the end of his career, as it reflected themes of personal reflection and life lived on one’s own terms—ideas that aligned with his own tumultuous journey through fame. His powerful rendition was recorded live in 1977, just months before his death, during the “Elvis in Concert” TV special. This live version was posthumously released as a single, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Though “My Way” is closely associated with Sinatra, Elvis’s interpretation added a layer of emotional depth, showcasing his vocal prowess and vulnerability, making it a beloved part of his live performances and a fitting farewell as his health declined.
Video:
Lyrics:
“My Way”
So I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case of which I’m certainI’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve traveled each and every byway
Oh, 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
Oh, 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 fails, 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, 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 words he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way