The powerful ballad “My Way” stands as a signature song for two legendary artists: Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. While often associated with Sinatra, Elvis Presley Singing I Did It My Way also delivered iconic performances that resonated deeply with his audience, particularly in the later stages of his career.
Originally titled “Comme d’habitude,” the song was composed by Gilles Thibault, J. Claude Francois, and Jacques Revaux in 1967. Two years later, the acclaimed songwriter Paul Anka acquired the rights, adapted the melody, and wrote new English lyrics specifically envisioning Frank Sinatra. Sinatra’s version became a massive hit, solidifying its place as one of his most recognizable songs.
Elvis Presley greatly admired “My Way” and added it to his repertoire in the 1970s. His most famous rendition was recorded during the groundbreaking “elvis presley singing blue hawaii” special on January 14, 1973. He performed it again in his 1977 “Elvis in Concert” television special. Another version, captured live on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota, was released as a single posthumously in November 1977, reaching number 2 on the Country Singles chart. Beyond Sinatra and Presley, other notable artists including Julio Iglesias and Robbie Williams have covered the song. The punk band Sex Pistols also famously created a fast-paced version with altered lyrics.
The lyrics of “My Way” are a reflection on a life lived fully and on one’s own terms:
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 most commonly associated with Elvis was recorded during the “Aloha from Hawaii” special on January 14, 1973. However, Elvis had previously recorded “My Way” in the studio on June 10, 1971, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
The early 1970s were a significant time for Elvis Presley. On January 16, 1971, he accepted the honor of being named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). This award recognized great achievements, humanitarianism, and community service. For Elvis, who grew up with humble beginnings and faced criticism early in his career, this was a moment of immense pride, signifying acceptance and respect for his work and character.
Elvis Presley demonstrating karate in Los Angeles, 1971, during a key period in his career.
Other notable events from 1971 included numerous recording sessions at RCA Studio B in Nashville in March, May, and June, where he recorded tracks like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Amazing Grace,” and holiday songs for Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas. In June 1971, the City Council of Memphis, Tennessee, officially renamed Highway 51 South to Elvis Presley Boulevard, with the first sign erected in January 1972 near Graceland, his iconic home located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. “elvis only the lonely” and “elvis return to sender” showcase other facets of his diverse musical output.
The Impact of the Aloha from Hawaii Special
The “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii – Via Satellite” special on January 14, 1973, was a historic moment in entertainment. Broadcast live from Honolulu to numerous countries across Asia and Oceania, and later shown on delay in Europe and the US, it reached an estimated one to 1.5 billion viewers globally. This was the first time a solo entertainer had performed a concert broadcast live via satellite worldwide. Elvis was nervous, as precise timing was crucial to avoid being cut off by the satellite feed after the allotted hour.
Colonel Parker, Elvis’s manager, arranged the deal with NBC, who owned the satellite technology at the time. Despite the pressure, Elvis delivered an outstanding performance. For the show, he wore an iconic white jumpsuit featuring an American Eagle design, a patriotic gesture to his international audience.
The concert was also a charity event, with ticket sales and merchandise proceeds going to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii. Audience members were asked to pay what they could, raising $75,000 for the fund. The setlist for the Aloha special included many of Elvis’s hits and notable covers, such as “See See Rider,” “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” and the powerful rendition of “My Way.”
The “Aloha from Hawaii” special marked a pinnacle in Elvis’s career, showcasing him in top physical and vocal form to a global audience. His performance of “My Way” during this landmark event remains one of the most memorable live versions of the song ever recorded. The song’s reflective lyrics, combined with Elvis’s impassioned delivery, resonated strongly and became closely associated with his enduring legacy. Even after his passing, the 1977 single release continued to demonstrate the song’s powerful connection with his fans. While the focus is often on his legendary performances, remembering artists like “songs sung by lisa marie presley” also highlights the lasting musical footprint of the Presley family.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s performances of “My Way,” particularly his iconic rendition from the “Aloha from Hawaii” special, are cherished by fans worldwide. The song’s themes of reflection and perseverance mirrored elements of Elvis’s own journey, making his interpretation deeply personal and powerful. It stands as a testament to his vocal talent and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, solidifying his place as one of music’s all-time greats who truly did it his way.
