“My Way” is a powerful ballad that holds a special place in the hearts of music fans worldwide, celebrated by admirers of both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Originally a French song titled “Comme d’Habitude,” composed by Gilles Thibault, Claude François, and Jacques Revaux in 1967, it was famously adapted into English by Paul Anka. Anka wrote the new lyrics with Frank Sinatra in mind, resulting in a major hit that became synonymous with Sinatra’s legendary career.
Elvis Presley, deeply admiring the track, brought his own unique interpretation to “My Way.” He first covered it during his groundbreaking 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” satellite special. Later, he performed it again for his 1977 “Elvis in Concert” special. A version recorded live on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota, was released as a single posthumously in November 1977, achieving notable success by reaching number 2 on the Country Singles Chart.
The song’s enduring theme of reflecting on a life lived without compromise has resonated with many artists. Beyond the iconic versions by Sinatra and Presley, traditional covers have been recorded by singers like Julio Iglesias and Robbie Williams. In stark contrast, the punk band Sex Pistols created a notorious, sped-up version featuring alternate, provocative lyrics, showcasing the song’s adaptability across genres.
Here are the lyrics to Elvis Presley’s version of “My Way”:
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
elvis presley song 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
Oh, and more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you know
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 fails, 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 he would reveal
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
The definitive live recording of “My Way” featured on the “Aloha From Hawaii” album was recorded on January 14, 1973. However, Elvis also explored the song during earlier studio sessions, including those in 1971.
Elvis Presley’s 1971 Activities
The period surrounding the early 1970s was significant for Elvis, marked by professional milestones and extensive recording work.
On January 16, 1971, Elvis attended a ceremony where he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). This award recognized young individuals for significant achievements in their fields, humanitarianism, and community service. For Elvis, who had faced criticism early in his career despite his success, this national recognition was a profoundly proud moment, signifying widespread acceptance and respect for both his work and character.
Elvis Presley in a white suit, likely related to karate, pictured in Los Angeles during 1971
June 1971 also saw a unique local honor: the City Council of Memphis, Tennessee, officially renamed Highway 51 South to Elvis Presley Boulevard. The first sign was unveiled in January 1972 near Graceland, his famous home at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. This renaming reflected Elvis’s deep connection to Memphis and the area’s development since he purchased Graceland in 1957.
These years were also prolific in terms of recording. Here is a partial list of recordings from his 1971 sessions in Nashville, showcasing his diverse musical interests, from gospel to contemporary pop tunes:
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March 15, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 15, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 16, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 17, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 18, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 19, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 19, 1971 RCA Studio A – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 20, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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May 21, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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June 8, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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June 9, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
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June 10, 1971 RCA Studio B – Nashville, Tennessee
The Aloha from Hawaii Special: A Historic Moment
The 1973 “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii” special marked a pivotal moment in entertainment history. Performed at the Honolulu International Center Arena on January 14, 1973, it was the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast live via satellite globally. Aired live to countries including Australia, Japan, and across Asia, and later shown on delay in Europe and the USA (on April 4th on NBC), it reached an estimated one billion to 1.5 billion viewers worldwide – a larger audience than the first moon landing in the US.
Elvis was reportedly very nervous, as this was an unprecedented technical and logistical feat. However, he delivered a stunning performance, showcasing his vocal power and stage presence. The show featured an iconic American Eagle design on his jumpsuit, symbolizing a patriotic message to his vast international audience. The precision required for a live satellite broadcast meant strict timing, a challenge navigated with signals from the side of the stage, famously by Joe Esposito using a flashlight.
The concert was not only a technical marvel and a performance triumph but also a charitable event. Audience tickets for the live show and the pre-broadcast rehearsal carried no fixed price, with attendees encouraged to donate what they could. This effort raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii.
The setlist for the iconic “Aloha from Hawaii” special included a range of hits and fan favorites, cementing “My Way” as a highlight of this historic show:
“My Way” continues to be one of the songs most closely associated with Elvis’s later career and his powerful live performances. Versions from “Aloha from Hawaii” and the posthumously released 1977 single capture the raw emotion and vocal prowess that defined the final years of the King of Rock and Roll. For fans looking to explore more of his live performances, including early electrifying shows like those featured in the “Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD,” his vast catalog offers numerous treasures, such as elvis singing heartbreak hotel from his formative years. The story of [Elvis Presley Song My Way] is intertwined with some of the most significant moments of his professional life, from receiving national honors to making global broadcast history.
