“Elvis Presley Song I Did It My Way” resonates deeply with fans, representing a powerful anthem often associated with The King’s later career and his defiant spirit. This show-stopping number is cherished by admirers of both Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, each artist having put their distinct stamp on the enduring classic. On Shocknaue Entertainment News, we delve into the story behind this monumental track and its significance in Elvis’s world.
Originally titled ‘Comme d’Habitude’, the song’s melody was composed by French musicians Claude François and Jacques Revaux, with lyrics by Gilles Thibault, in 1967. It became a French hit before catching the attention of Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka. Anka acquired the rights, rewrote the lyrics specifically with Frank Sinatra in mind, and created the English version we know today. Sinatra’s rendition became a global phenomenon and is widely considered his signature song.
Elvis Presley, a known admirer of the track, first covered “My Way” during his groundbreaking 1973 ‘Aloha from Hawaii‘ special. He performed it again in his 1977 ‘Elvis in Concert’ special. Following Elvis’s passing, another version recorded on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota, was released as a single in November 1977, achieving notable success by reaching #2 on the Country Singles Chart.
Here are the powerful lyrics to “My Way” as famously performed by Elvis:
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
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 version released on the ‘Aloha From Hawaii‘ album was recorded on January 14, 1973.
Context: Elvis’s Early 1970s Milestones
The period leading up to and including his recording of “My Way” for the Aloha special saw Elvis achieve significant recognition beyond his music.
On January 16, 1971, Elvis was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). This national honor recognized young men for achievements and contributions, placing Elvis among scientists, inventors, politicians, and other accomplished individuals. For Elvis, who had faced ridicule early in his career, this award represented a profound validation of his work and character, a moment he deeply cherished.
Elvis Presley in Los Angeles in 1971, a pivotal year for his career
Also in 1971, the City Council of Memphis officially renamed Highway 51 South to Elvis Presley Boulevard. The first sign was installed in January 1972 near Graceland, his iconic home at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. This transformation from a country road to a street bearing his name symbolized his deep connection to Memphis and his immense impact.
Studio Work in 1971
Before the famous live recordings of “My Way”, 1971 was a busy year for Elvis in the studio. He held extensive recording sessions at RCA Studio B in Nashville. These sessions yielded a diverse range of songs.
Notable recording dates in 1971 included:
- March 15, 1971 (RCA Studio B, Nashville, TN): Recordings like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Early Morning Rain”.
- May 15-21, 1971 (RCA Studio B and A, Nashville, TN): Sessions covered gospel songs like “Miracle Of The Rosary” and Christmas tunes, alongside tracks such as “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, “Until It’s Time For You To Go“, and “It’s Only Love”. The June 10, 1971, session at RCA Studio B in Nashville included a recording of “My Way” (WPA5 2599-01), suggesting he was exploring the song well before the live Aloha performance.
These studio dates demonstrate Elvis’s continuous artistic output and preparation during the period leading up to his major live performances where “My Way” would feature prominently.
The Aloha From Hawaii Special
The January 14, 1973, Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii special remains a monumental event in entertainment history. Broadcast live via Globecam Satellite from the Honolulu International Center Arena, it reached audiences in Australia, Japan, and many other countries, with a delayed airing in the USA attracting a massive 51% of the television audience. Estimates suggest it was seen by over a billion people worldwide, a feat unmatched by a single performer before.
Elvis commissioned an American Eagle design for his jumpsuit, a symbolic gesture to his global audience. Despite being incredibly nervous about being the first entertainer to perform via satellite, Elvis delivered a performance that showcased him in top physical and vocal form. The show was a massive success, solidifying his status as a global superstar. The concert also served as a charity benefit, raising $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii.
The setlist for the Aloha special included many hits and fan favorites, such as “See See Rider”, “Burning Love”, “Hound Dog“, “Suspicious Minds”, and the powerful rendition of “My Way“.
“My Way” in Later Performances
Elvis continued to perform “My Way” in concert during his final years. The 1977 recording released as a single after his death captured the raw power and emotion he brought to the song in his live shows. This version resonated with fans, particularly after his passing, adding another layer of poignancy to the lyrics about a life lived fully and on one’s own terms. While “Elvis last hit song” is a subject of debate depending on criteria, this 1977 release certainly stands as one of his significant chart successes late in his career.
Other artists have recorded versions of “My Way,” ranging from traditional interpretations by singers like Julio Iglesias and Robbie Williams to the infamous punk rock take by the Sex Pistols. However, it is often Elvis’s dramatic, powerful live renditions that fans remember, showcasing his unique ability to inhabit a song and make it his own.
DVD cover for ‘Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley’, featuring unique 1950s concert footage
The enduring appeal of “My Way” as sung by Elvis Presley lies in its universal message of resilience and self-determination, delivered with his signature intensity and charisma.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s connection to “My Way” is profound. While a hit for Frank Sinatra, Elvis made the song a staple of his live performances, culminating in the globally televised Aloha special and the poignant 1977 single release. The song’s themes of reflection and living life on one’s own terms seemed to resonate deeply with Elvis himself, particularly in the later stages of his career. Its continued popularity among fans solidifies “Elvis Presley Song I Did It My Way” as a key part of his enduring musical legacy.
