by Jessica Shelton·Published · Updated
The sentiments in Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” are being expressed by an individual who is looking back on his life’s journey.And for the most part, he is very much satisfied.
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You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Frank Sinatra's My Way at Lyrics.org.
Yes, he took“blows” along the way and dealt with various hardships. But in hindsight he cansay that not only did he overcome these challenges but also, all thingsconsidered, enjoyed himself.
So perhaps the best way of describing this person, at least based on his own account, is that he is a victor in the game of life. But more important to the thesis of the lyrics is that he did so ‘his way’.Or perhaps a better way of looking at this statement is that he held nothing back.He lived the type of life he believed in, not being shy (i.e. cowardly) about it in the process.Thus his overall feeling of contentment isn’t so much about having material accomplishments to show for his endeavors. Rather it is the internal feeling of knowing that he did not compromise his personal beliefs, principles and individualism in the process of attaining success.
Did Frank Sinatra write “My Way”?
No. The lyrics to this song were written by Paul Anka.He was inspired by living in what he termed as “the me generation”. This was a period in time where he witnessed a marked shift in popular ideologies towards individualism. Moreover he intentionally set out to use the type of terminology which he heard the Chairman of the Board utilize, as they were personal associated.
In fact Mr. Ankawas a singer himself, who happened to be slappin’ in the late 1960s.Yethe turned the opportunity, to the chagrin of his label, down to record “My Way”under his own name, as once again he wrote it specifically with Sinatra inmind.And apparently he did so in an attempt to prevent Frank fromquitting the music business, which according to Anka he was contemplating atthe time.But it should be noted that after Mr. Sinatra dropped hisversion, Paul Anka issued his own rendition also.
And Paul was obviously right on the money in regards to saying it was Sinatra’s song. For Frank not only recorded the tune in just one take, but it also went on to become the defining track of his iconic career.
Paul Anka’s most successful work
This was also the most-prominent product of Paul Anka’s musicianship as even his autobiography, which came out in 2013, is entitled “My Way”.
Frank Sinatra hated “My Way”
Frank Sinatra’s daughter later revealed that he actually despised this song for two reasons.One is that, being his signature track, he couldn’t shake free of it. And secondly he perceived “My Way”, according to Tina Sinatra, as being “self-serving and self-indulgent”. In fact Mr. Sinatra, in his own words, was upset that such a song “became a kind of national anthem”.
“My Way” was a major success
This song was indeed a big success, charting in Canada, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom.Moreover “My Way” has held the record, going on 60 years now heading into 2020, of being the track which has spent the most time amongst the UK Top 40.
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“My Way” peaked atnumber 5 on the UK Singles Chart but remained within the Top 40 itself for anamazing 75 weeks.
And since then, it has also earned the distinction of being one of the most-requested funeral songs in the UK.
Release Date of “My Way”
Reprise Records, a label founded by Frank Sinatra (1915-1998), released “My Way” on 1 January 1969 as the title song from Ol’ Blue Eyes’ album of the same name.
Cover Versions
Artists who have covered “My Way” throughout the years include the following:
- Elvis Presley (1977)
- Sid Vicious (1978)
- The Sex Pistols (1979)
- Willie Nelson (2018)
Popular Usage
“My Way” has beenutilized in pop media and various venues as the decade have progressed.
For instance whenGerman Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (1998-2005) lost his title to Angela Merkelin 2005, part of the German army’s salute during his official resignationceremony was playing some of his favorite songs, whichincluded “My Way”.
This song was also played at the inaugural ball, indeed serving as the first dance of the event, of US President Donald Trump on 20 January 2017.
Even more interestingly, it was amongst the tracks played at the funeral of slain gangsta rapper Nipsey Hussle on 12 April 2019.
Related posts:
- “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra (ft. Count Basie)
- “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
- “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
- Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” Lyrics Meaning
- “High Hopes” by Frank Sinatra
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- “Bodies” by Sex Pistols
- “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Freedom” by Jon Batiste
9 Responses
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T K D FERNANDO says:
January 25, 2020 at 6:25 am
good but there is not any summary
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name unknown says:
February 25, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Frank Sinatra is not the only person on the planet who hated this song.
I detest it myself because I sang it at my funeral in May last year
Rest in peace, dad! I love and respect you!Reply
name unknown says:
February 25, 2020 at 4:02 pm
I meant I sang it at my father’s funeral. apologies!
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Rico says:
April 13, 2021 at 7:51 pm
My Way belongs to Frank- no one else should sing it out of respect to him.
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Anonymous says:
May 20, 2023 at 9:08 am
That’s your opinion
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Emma says:
December 10, 2021 at 11:18 am
“My way” is the English version of the French song “Comme d’habitude” by Claude Francois.
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cool guy says:
May 21, 2023 at 9:30 am
wrong my way was written by paul anka after he bought the music to Comme d’habitude he then gave the song to frank
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Dennis D Elvis says:
November 6, 2022 at 10:48 pm
Gotta love it!!!!
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Michael Underwood says:
July 27, 2023 at 9:59 pm
“My Way” could have been written and sung by Cain who killed his brother in Genesis 4:3-8. Proverb14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Apart from knowing Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, doing it your way will always fall short of God’s righteous standard of what is the only way to the Father.
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