Elvis Presley – My Way (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)

Introduction:

“My Way,” performed by Elvis Presley, is a song that encapsulates the artist’s legacy and emotional depth. Released in 1973 as part of the live album Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite, this performance marked a significant moment in Presley’s career. The concert, held on January 14, 1973, in Honolulu, was notable for being the first live entertainment special broadcast globally via satellite, reaching an estimated audience of 1.5 billion people across 40 nations​.

The song itself is a poignant ballad that speaks to themes of self-reflection, resilience, and personal triumph, making it a fitting anthem for Presley, who had navigated both the highs and lows of fame throughout his career. While “My Way” was originally written by Claude François and Gilles Thibaut, with the English lyrics by Paul Anka, it was Elvis’s rendition that truly brought the song to life for a wide audience. The live performance was part of a setlist that included other classics like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” showcasing Elvis’s range and enduring appeal​.

The Aloha from Hawaii album achieved commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and eventually selling over five million copies in the United States​. It also represents a significant artistic statement from Presley during a period when his health was declining, making this performance all the more remarkable. The concert itself not only raised over $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund, but it also solidified Elvis’s status as a cultural icon, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level​.

Overall, “My Way” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s remarkable career, encapsulating his journey through music and life while resonating with countless fans around the world.

Video:

Lyrics:

“My Way”

And now the end is near
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