Introduction:
Ah, now we’re dipping into a fascinating moment in music history. Buckle up, because Elvis Presley’s 1977 rendition of “My Way” is a story that transcends genres and generations.
Released during his final concert special, this performance stands as a powerful testament to Presley’s enduring charisma and his ability to adapt to the ever-evolving musical landscape. Originally a French song titled “Comme d’habitude” (“For What It’s Worth”), it gained international fame after English lyricist Paul Anka transformed it into the introspective ballad we know today. Frank Sinatra’s 1969 rendition became the definitive version for many, capturing a world-weary reflectiveness that resonated deeply.
So, what made Elvis’ 1977 take so unforgettable? Well, for starters, it defied expectations. Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, the man who ignited a cultural firestorm with his hip-shaking gyrations, was tackling a song synonymous with a different kind of legend – the smooth, sophisticated crooner. But defy expectations he did.
There’s a rawness in Presley’s voice here, a vulnerability that perhaps hadn’t been so readily apparent in his earlier work. Life, by 1977, had certainly left its mark. The electrifying stage presence remained, of course, but there’s a newfound depth in his delivery. He doesn’t simply sing the lyrics; he inhabits them.
This wasn’t just Presley covering a song; it was a seasoned performer grappling with the weight of his own journey. The swagger is still there, but it’s tempered by a touch of melancholy. The gospel influences that had always simmered beneath the surface of his music bubble up in the powerful crescendos, lending a soulful urgency to the performance.
Producer Felton Jarvis deserves credit for capturing this moment in time. The arrangement is stripped-down, putting the spotlight squarely on Presley’s voice and the emotional heft of the lyrics. The iconic horns associated with Sinatra’s version are absent, replaced by a more bluesy, introspective feel.
“My Way” in 1977 wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but its impact has only grown with time. It’s a poignant reminder of Presley’s versatility, a testament to his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. It’s a bridge between generations, a powerful ballad delivered by the king himself, forever etched in music history.
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