About the song
“My Way” as interpreted by Elvis Presley is a powerful and emotionally charged rendition of a song that has become a timeless anthem of self-determination and reflection. While famously associated with Frank Sinatra, Presley’s version, particularly his live performances during the 1970s, offers a unique and compelling perspective on this iconic ballad.
The song’s lyrics, written by Paul Anka and based on the French song “Comme d’habitude,” tell the story of a man looking back on his life, acknowledging both his triumphs and his regrets. He asserts that he has lived life on his own terms, “my way.” Presley’s vocal delivery, marked by its raw emotion and dramatic phrasing, transforms the song into a personal declaration of resilience and self-affirmation.
Elvis Presley’s vocal style, characterized by its powerful baritone and emotive inflections, imbues the song with a sense of both vulnerability and strength. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he embodies them, conveying the introspection and defiance of the narrator with a palpable sense of sincerity.
The arrangements used in Elvis’s live performances often added to the dramatic effect. The use of soaring orchestral backing and gospel-inspired harmonies created a sense of grandeur, mirroring the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Especially his “Aloha from Hawaii” version, is considered by many as a definitive version.
“My Way” in Elvis’s hands, becomes more than just a song; it’s a raw and honest expression of personal triumph and the acceptance of life’s inevitable challenges. It’s a testament to his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level, delivering a performance that is both powerful and poignant. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of self-determination, and the courage it takes to live life on one’s own terms.
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
