My Way
Willie Nelson & Don Cherry Lyrics
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And as I face the final curtain
My friends, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived my life that's full
I've traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
I saw it through without exemption
I took my time 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 did it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
I've loved, and I've laughed and cried
I've had my share, my fill of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And let me say, not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
What is man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
My record shows I took the blows
And (I) did it my way
I did it my way
The song "My Way," written by Paul Anka, has become a timeless classic and a symbol of individuality, with countless interpretations by more than 100 different artists. This powerful song became one of the biggest hits for Frank Sinatra, who included it on his 1969 album. The song's powerful lyrics reflect on life's final moments, with the singer taking pride in the choices they've made over the years.
The lyrics to "My Way" depict a man who has lived his life with integrity and made choices that he's proud of, despite the ups and downs. The song gives a sense of self-assuredness, with the singer making it known that he has lived his way and has no regrets. The lyrics use metaphorical language and representational devices to communicate the message of the song, such as the curtain, which is symbolic of the end of life, and highways, which are symbolic of life's journey.
The song's message has relevance even today, with the lyrics still resonating with people. The song has become an anthem, representing the power of personal choice and the feeling of being in control of one's own destiny, a powerful message that is as relevant today as it was back then. The song's iconic message inspired a sense of self-assurance in many who listened to it and has become a lasting legacy in the world of music.
Line by Line Meaning
And now, the end is near
I am nearing the end of my life
And as I face the final curtain
As I approach the end, I feel as if I am on a stage facing the closing of the final curtain
My friends, I'll say it clear
I have something important to say to my friends
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I will speak my truth with confidence and conviction
I've lived my life that's full
I have lived a fulfilling life
I've traveled each and every highway
I have gone down every path available to me
And more, much more than this
I have done even more than that
I did it my way
But everything I achieved, I did it my own way
Regrets, I've had a few
I have a few things I regret
But then again, too few to mention
But overall, I have very few regrets
I did what I had to do
I did everything necessary
I saw it through without exemption
I did everything without taking any shortcuts
I took my time charted course
I took my time in deciding what to do with my life
Each careful step along the byway
I took mindful steps in every direction
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
I know there were times when people thought I had bitten off more than I could chew
When I bit off more than I could chew
There were times when I tried too much too soon
But through it all, when there was doubt
Despite the doubts of others or myself, I persevered
I ate it up and spit it out
I tackled every problem that came my way head-on
I did it all and I stood tall
And I did it all without giving up or giving in, standing tall all the while
And did it my way
And, despite any obstacles or opposition, I did it the way I wanted to do it
I've loved, and I've laughed and cried
I have experienced the full range of emotions in my life
I've had my share, my fill of losing
I have experienced many failures and setbacks in my life
And now, as tears subside
Now, as I am at the end of my life, I am no longer overwhelmed by sadness or grief
I find it all so amusing
I find it all funny, in a way
To think I did all that
It's amazing to think back on everything I accomplished throughout my life
And let me say, not in a shy way
And I want to make it clear that I am proud of everything I achieved
Oh no, oh no, not me
I didn't achieve everything I did by copying someone else
I did it my way
I achieved everything through my own creativity and initiative
What is man, what has he got
What is the meaning of human existence, and what do we really have?
If not himself, then he has naught
If a person does not have control of themselves, they have nothing at all
To say the things he truly feels
A person must say what they truly believe and feel
And not the words of one who kneels
They should not repeat someone else's words just to fit in or align with the crowd
My record shows I took the blows
My accomplishments speak of how I persevered through hard times
And (I) did it my way
I was able to accomplish everything through my own determination and creativity
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE, JEUNE MUSIQUE EDITIONS
Written by: Claude Francois, Gilles Thibaut, Jacques Revaux, Paul Anka
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind