About the song
Few songs capture the essence of an artist’s journey quite like My Way, and when Elvis Presley performed it, the song took on an entirely new depth of meaning. Originally written by Paul Anka and famously recorded by Frank Sinatra, My Way became a defining anthem of self-reflection, resilience, and individuality. But in the hands of Elvis Presley, particularly during his later years, the song became even more powerful—a poignant statement from a man who had lived a life of extraordinary highs and crushing lows.
One of the most memorable renditions of My Way came from Elvis Presley’s 1977 performance in Elvis in Concert, recorded just months before his passing. By then, his voice carried the weight of experience, and every line seemed to reflect his personal struggles and triumphs. Unlike Sinatra’s version, which exuded confidence and control, Elvis Presley’s interpretation felt deeply introspective, almost vulnerable. His phrasing, filled with emotion, conveyed a sense of both pride and resignation, as if he was looking back on his life with a mixture of satisfaction and sorrow.
Musically, the arrangement in Elvis Presley’s version is grand yet personal, with soaring orchestration supporting his powerful vocals. When he reaches the climactic final notes, there’s a rawness in his delivery that makes the song feel almost like a farewell. Fans and critics alike have often pointed to this performance as one of his most moving, not just because of the song’s lyrical themes but because of the undeniable connection between the words and Elvis Presley’s own life.
Over the decades, My Way has become one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved posthumous recordings. It serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges, triumphs, and personal battles he faced, he lived life on his own terms. And in the end, he truly did it “his 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 saw it through without exception
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 know
That 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 not
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
