About the song
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance on “My Way” is simply monumental. By the mid-1970s, his voice had deepened, acquiring a richer, more soulful timbre, and his delivery was imbued with a profound emotional depth that only a life of extraordinary highs and lows could bestow. He doesn’t just sing the words; he pours his entire being into them, making the listener feel every ounce of his triumphs, his weariness, and his defiant spirit. There’s a raw, almost desperate sincerity in his phrasing, particularly in the escalating power of the final verses, that makes the song incredibly moving. The live recordings capture the visceral intensity of his performance, complete with his powerful gestures and his palpable connection with the audience. Elvis’s brilliance lies in his ability to take a song already steeped in meaning and elevate it further, transforming it into a deeply personal anthem that felt like his own autobiography set to music. It’s a masterclass in emotional vulnerability and vocal power.
The musical arrangement of “My Way” in Elvis Presley’s live performances of the era is characteristically grand and orchestral, yet often tinged with a beautiful, almost melancholic solemnity. It typically features a sweeping string section that provides a lush, dramatic backdrop, powerful brass fanfares that punctuate key emotional moments, and a robust rhythm section. The instrumentation is designed to create a sense of scale and importance, perfectly complementing the song’s epic narrative of a life lived. The production, especially on the live recordings, captures the raw energy of his stage presence, allowing his commanding vocals to soar above the rich musical tapestry. It’s an arrangement that builds dynamically, leading to a powerful climax that underscores the unwavering self-conviction expressed in the lyrics.
“My Way” as delivered by Elvis Presley resonated profoundly with audiences because its themes of self-determination, life reflection, and acceptance of one’s journey are universally understood and deeply felt. It became an unofficial signature song for him in his later years, a testament to his enduring power as an interpreter and his larger-than-life persona. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that no matter the path taken, the greatest legacy is often built by doing things my way.
Video
Lyrics
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 certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve 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 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 certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve 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, 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
