About the song
Few songs in the history of modern music have captured the spirit of individualism and reflection quite like **Elvis Presley – My Way (1973)**. Originally popularized by Frank Sinatra, this iconic anthem found new and profound meaning when interpreted by **Elvis Presley**, especially during the final years of his life. Recorded in 1973 and famously performed in the “Aloha from Hawaii” concert — the first global satellite broadcast by an entertainer — **My Way** became an emotional testament to Elvis’s personal and professional journey.
When **Elvis Presley** sings **My Way**, there is a rawness and vulnerability that permeates every note. Unlike Sinatra’s more polished and controlled delivery, Elvis’s version is infused with a haunting sense of resignation and pride. His voice — rich, slightly worn, and deeply human — carries the weight of a man who had experienced both the dizzying heights of fame and the crushing isolation that often accompanied it. You can feel that Elvis isn’t just performing a song; he’s confessing, reflecting, perhaps even making peace with the choices that defined his extraordinary and often turbulent life.
The arrangement itself is classic Elvis — lush but never overwhelming. The soaring strings and subtle backing chorus create a backdrop that highlights his emotive vocals rather than competing with them. In moments, you almost feel as though he is speaking directly to each listener, making **My Way** feel startlingly intimate despite its grandeur.
What makes **Elvis Presley – My Way (1973)** so enduring is not just the sheer beauty of the performance, but the honesty that shines through. It’s the sound of a man who, despite regrets and losses, ultimately claims ownership over his life story. For older listeners, who have seen life’s twists and turns firsthand, Elvis’s rendition resonates on a deeply personal level. It’s more than a song — it’s a heartfelt declaration of survival, autonomy, and, ultimately, dignity.
Listening to **Elvis Presley – My Way (1973)** today feels like sitting down with an old friend who has seen it all and is willing to share hard-won wisdom with grace and candor. It remains one of the most moving performances in his illustrious career.
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 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 exemption
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 knew
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 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 naught
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
