About the song
“My Way,” famously popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1969, is an enduring anthem that transcends generations with its poignant lyrics and captivating melody. Originally based on the French song “Comme d’habitude” composed by Jacques Revaux with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut and Claude François, the English adaptation by Paul Anka transformed it into a masterpiece that became synonymous with Sinatra’s legacy.
The song’s journey began when Paul Anka, inspired by the French original, negotiated the rights while in Paris, securing adaptation, recording, and publishing rights for a symbolic fee of one dollar. Motivated by a conversation with Sinatra about leaving the music business, Anka penned poignant lyrics that resonated deeply with Sinatra’s persona and life experiences. With lines like “And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain,” Anka captured Sinatra’s essence as a resilient figure who faced life’s challenges head-on.
Recorded by Sinatra in a single take at Caesars Palace in Nevada, “My Way” exudes a sense of grandeur and introspection, bolstered by a lush orchestral arrangement by Don Costa. Upon its release in early 1969 as part of the album “My Way” and as a single, it quickly became a commercial success, reaching No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Easy Listening chart in the United States.
In the United Kingdom, “My Way” achieved unprecedented longevity, spending a remarkable 75 weeks in the Top 40 from April 1969 to September 1971, setting a record that remains unmatched. Its popularity was further solidified by its profound impact on popular culture, cementing Sinatra’s reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of song.
Critically acclaimed for Sinatra’s impassioned delivery and the song’s emotive depth, “My Way” garnered widespread praise. Billboard lauded the “driving, lush, and commercial” arrangement, while Cash Box praised Sinatra’s “splendidly moving performance.” Rolling Stone ranked it among the greatest songs of all time, underscoring its enduring influence and universal appeal.
Despite its monumental success, Sinatra himself grew ambivalent towards “My Way,” considering it self-indulgent. However, its cultural significance endures, with multiple reinterpretations by artists such as Elvis Presley, Sid Vicious, and Julio Iglesias, each bringing their unique touch to this timeless classic.
“My Way” remains a testament to Sinatra’s unparalleled artistry and his ability to transform a song into a personal statement that resonates across decades, making it an indelible part of music history and a reflection of the human spirit’s triumphs and tribulations.
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