"My Way" is a popular song, which in its English-language version is an adaptation by Paul Anka of the French song Comme d'habitude, written by Claude Fran?ois and Jacques Revaux. It became the signature song for Frank Sinatra, even though Sinatra himself did not rate the song highly. As performed by Frank Sinatra Hit # 27 on the Top 40 charts in 1969.
Written in 1968 and released on the album of the same name in 1969, the lyrics of "My Way" picture a dying man, facing the "final curtain," looking back in his life and deciding that he is satisfied with the way he lived it.
"Regrets, I've had a few, but then again too few to mention...."
The song is very popular within the karaoke subculture and is a favourite of Dogbert. It is also a song that is a popular choice for funerals, along with Don't Stop Me Now by Queen. Greta Keller always included the song during her last decade performing and did a duet with Rod McKuen singing the song at Lincoln Center in New York City and in Vienna.
Sinatra duetted the song with two performers before his death: Luciano Pavarotti (released on the album Sinatra 80th: Live In Concert) and Willie Nelson (recorded for the Duets series in the mid-1990s but not released until 2005 in the Collector's Edition Set). It should be noted that both recordings use the same Sinatra vocal and instrumental track. Eddie Cochran had a completely different and earlier song of the same title!- My Way
Well, listen, pretty baby; lets go out tonight
Tell your mama not to worry; everythings gonna be all right
Dont let me hear you talkin; just be there when I call
Cause what I do I do my way, or it wont be done at all
Oh little girl, better hear what I say
Im an easy-goin guy, but I always gotta have my way
I was born a tiger; I always had my way
Nobodys gonna change me this or any other day
Dont let me hear you argue when I say funky junk
Cause a woman aint been born yet, they can play me for a chump
Oh little girl, better hear what I say
Im an easy-goin guy, but I always gotta have my way
(instrumental)
Well, dont ask me for the reasons, dont ever wonder why
When I walk away leave you, I dont wanna see you cry
Now Ive done a lot of plannin, got a lot of things to do
So dont give me no trouble, or you I are through
Oh little girl, better hear what I say
Im an easy-goin guy, but I always gotta have my way
Oh Im an easy-goin guy, but I always gotta have my way
My Way however is the definitive version! (1968) Jacques Revaux, Claude Fran?ois, Gilles Thibault, Paul Anka
And now, the end is near and so I got to face
The final curtain, girl
Friends I say clear and state her case of which I'm uncertain
I've lived a life that's full of travelled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Yeah, regrets, I've had a few
But then again, who feel to me uncertain.
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each other course, each careful footstep along the byway,
Yeah, and more, much more than this,
I did my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you know
When I did all much more than I could do
But threw it all, when there was doubt, on everyday
And it's not enough, I faced it all
And as big as all did my way.
Oh, I've laughed and cried, had my fill my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, counted also music
To think like the old lad
And may I say not in a sky away,
Oh, no no no, You're not me, I did it my way.
What is a man, what have he got
If not himself, and he had not to may the things
He truly feels not words of one for use
With that shows, I took the blows and did it my way!
Original French lyric
Je me l?ve et je te bouscule
Tu n'te r?veilles pas
Comme d'habitude
Sur toi je remonte le drap
J'ai peur que tu aies froid
Comme d'habitude
Ma main caresse tes cheveux
Presque malgr? moi
Comme d'habitude
Mais toi
Tu me tournes le dos
Comme d'habitude
Alors je m'habille tr?s vite
Je sors de la chambre
Comme d'habitude
Tout seul je bois mon caf?
Je suis en retard
Comme d'habitude
Sans bruit je quitte la maison
Tout est gris dehors
Comme d'habitude
J'ai froid
Je rel?ve mon col
Comme d'habitude
Comme d'habitude
Toute la journ?e
Je vais jouer
A faire semblant
Comme d'habitude
Je vais sourire
Comme d'habitude
Je vais m?me rire
Comme d'habitude
Enfin je vais vivre
Comme d'habitude
Et puis
Le jour s'en ira
Moi je reviendrai
Comme d'habitude
Toi
Tu seras sortie
Et pas encore rentr?e
Comme d'habitude
Tout seul
J'irai me coucher
Dans ce grand lit froid
Comme d'habitude
Mes larmes
Je les cacherai
Comme d'habitude
Comme d'habitude
M?me la nuit
Je vais jouer
A faire semblant
Comme d'habitude
Tu rentreras
Comme d'habitude
Je t'attendrai
Comme d'habitude
Tu me souriras
Comme d'habitude
Comme d'habitude
Tu te d?shabilleras
Comme d'habitude
Tu te coucheras
Comme d'habitude
On s'embrassera
Comme d'habitude
"My Way" is the English version of a 1967 French song called "Comme d'habitude". In 1968 Paul Anka wrote the the English lyric and Frank Sinatra transformed it into a world hit. Frank Sinatra's version of MY WAY is very different to Elvis's, which has Franks characteristic humble ending after a short instrumental -"Yes I did it My Way". Although Elvis's early 1972 versions also have a humble ending as well. Franks Sinatra deservedly had a massive 'hit' with MY WAY Recorded December 30, 1968, in Hollywood and it became the massive 1969 'hit' record. Where you hear the struggle and the pain (whether it be the FBI, the MAFIA or other shallow aspects of his life) and Sinatra's was the perfect 'stylist' attuned to a lyrical interpretation. Sinatra had all this backlog of history and charisma one can draw from subliminally as he performed it.
The lyrics of "My Way" tell the story of a man who is nearing death, and introspectively looks back at his life whilst fictionally speaking to a friend who is sitting next to him.
The man's personality as described in the song involves a strong-willed, confident and determined man who is not reliant on others to progress further through life. He is happy with how his life has turned out, and what he has achieved; he acknowledges that he too has regrets and has suffered sadness. However, he remains upbeat and amused that he has made it this far: A Spanish version exist also (Gypsy King, Julio Iglesias, Paul Anka). Elvis performed versions:-
My Way (excerpt) Las Vegas 4th September 1970 Midnight Show.
Paul Anka came to many of Elvis's shows and after the intro of Jimmy Lopez at this Las Vegas 4th September 1970 Dinner Show Elvis introduced Paul Anka and Elvis sang 1 line only:-"I did it My Way" Elvis also saw Paul Anka in Lake Tahoe at the 1.8.71 M/S and at his FIRST 'premiere' of performing MY WAY at the Las Vegas 4th August 1972 Opening Show.
In the excellent FTD book by Ken Sharp 'Writing for the King' Paul speaks about meeting Elvis in Nevada and that early on Elvis had told him he was going to record MY WAY because it was about everything he had been through in his life, and because it touched every corner of what he was about. Seeing Elvis perform MY WAY on 4th August 1972 Paul speaks about how moved he was by the way Elvis performed it and how unlike other performers Elvis brought out all this Depth to his version. Paul says he knew over the years that Elvis had controversies in his life, going through turmoil and that he could feel the struggle and pain that Elvis went through bringing a VERY emotional and soulful interpretation of Paul's song. Paul says that Elvis was a great stylist and and made it his 'own' which is the key to any artist. My Way becoming this incredible badge on Elvis because he was fighting some Demons
*Studio version 10th June 1971 4:32 released by BMG on Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential 70's Masters 4 CD set
Here are Elvis's lyrics used for his live versions:-
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 travelled 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
In the studio in 1971 Elvis created a very 'dull' version, sure he sang it clearly & slowly right through but Elvis was dissatisfied with the female singers in the studio on this day and Ended up storming out complaining that they didn't know their parts. This is most likely why we only have this 1 studio 'Take'. For many many years this wasn't known about or released and although desperate for unreleased 'studio' tracks in 1977, one can easily see why Felton didn't want to choose it for release because it's ultimately a complete studio version but lacking the polishing of further takes or the conviction of later 'live' versions. Simply because this is Elvis's ONLY version from 1971 it MUST be included and listened to!
1972 on the other hand gives us the First 'live' versions in August and and the result is a polished, measured and properly rehearsed version of the song-well worthy of note.All 1972 versions were 'good' and performed (mostly) after the intros it's a point in the show where Elvis would introduce a 'new' song.Dozens of extremely well performed versions to choose from and the 'official' or other bootleg soundboards released are well worth listening too.
Rehearsals recorded sometime late July/Early August 1972 released in best sound on No Fooling AroundAmpex CD01 (Released 2003)
1st attempt My Way,-1 line only + more chat from Elvis.
2nd attemptMy Way,-again just 1 line from Elvis.
3rd attempt. My Way-longer, but still only half way through 1st verse before distracted again.
4th attempt. My Way - slightly longer, but stopped by interruption again.
5th attempt. My Way-few words only.
6th attempt. My Way-2 words etc.
7th attempt. My Way-6 words again.
8th attempt. My Way-3':43" complete and sincere version!
9th attempt. My Way-3':34" bits & pieces, incomplete and piano 'instrumental' leads into start of new instrumental.
July / August rehearsals (Exact Date Unknown) - Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas
What Now My Love Unreleased
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
My Way No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
My Way No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
My Way No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
Fever No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
I've Got To Go No Fooling Around~Kickin' Back And Forth
Las Vegas. August 4 Opening Show. (Boot cd NO FOOLING AROUND)-calm, measured, well paced very nice version.Thoughtful beautifully sung. The ending doesn't go up higher-ends at the same vocal level-well appreciated by the audience.R/T 3'49" NB. @ 'regrets' the Violin starts playing.
Las Vegas. August 5 Dinner Show. Performed before Suspicious Minds, very measured, sings "state my case" TWICE! flute heard here another good version.
Las Vegas. August 5 Midnight Show. Again before Suspicious Minds and afterwards says 'it's a great song'.
Las Vegas. August 6 Midnight Show. Unusually before the intros at this show. Another sincere and good version.
Las Vegas. August 7 Midnight Shown now performed after the intros! Very well measured which ends very strongly from Elvis another great version with brass, piano featuring.
Las Vegas. August 8 Midnight Show. Sincere and well paced another good version.
Las Vegas. August 9 Midnight Show. Fractionally faster paced, but just as sincere good version.
Las Vegas. August 10 Midnight Show. No announcement just performed straight after the intrusively sincere another very well sung version (as usual) very, very good version.
Las Vegas. August 11 Dinner Show. (From FTD Summer Festival CD) very measured, sincere good powerful ending.
Las Vegas. August 11 Midnight Show. (Boot cd Elvis at full blast) very sincere, and a really excellent version.
Las Vegas. August 12 Dinner Show. (Boot cd blazing into the darkness) slow paced with good orchestration, sincere throughout-straight end-good version. Elvis says afterwards that he wouldn't want this song associated with his personal life, 'it's OK for Sinatra but I haven't even eat it up and spate it all out yet'!
Las Vegas. August 12 Midnight Show. Sincere and measured-yet another great versioning @ 'I've laughed' the organ +oboe start playing and @ 'what is a man' the drums kick in.
Las Vegas. August 13 Dinner Show. sincere/measured another pretty good version.
*Las Vegas. August 16 Dinner Show. Very sincere/measured performance, especially excellent violin and another excellent version-especially the last part.bootleg release TOP ACTS IN VEGAS VOL. 3
Las Vegas. August 16 Midnight Show. Another very committed and good version here.bootleg release STASERA RESTA CON ME
Las Vegas. August 17 Dinner Show. Another delicate sincere/measured version throughout-excellent.
Las Vegas. August 18 Dinner Show. Tiny part of 'Ave Marie' here then fractionally faster version in which he laughs part way through spoiling this version, but thankfully another very committed ending.
Las Vegas. August 18 Midnight Show. Another sincere/measured version.
Las Vegas. August 19 Dinner Show. False-a copy of the 18.8.72 D/S.
Las Vegas. August 19 Midnight Show. Another copy of 18.8.72 D/S
Las Vegas. August 21 Midnight Show. Measured, sincere, heartfelt version. Fades a bit during "doubt" line and good version but not excellent.
Las Vegas. August 23 Midnight Show. Another good and sincere sung version bootleg release RED HOT IN VEGAS CD A bit quicker but sincere throughout.
Las Vegas. August 24 Dinner Show. Very carefully sung, measured, and gradually builds up towards the end. Another extremely good 1972 version.
Las Vegas. August 25 Dinner Show. - Incomplete show recorded.
Las Vegas. August 26 Dinner Show. Very carefully sung, very sincere. Excellent version-faultless.
Las Vegas. September 1 Midnight Show.-may be wrongly dated may be 29.8.72 M/S? R/t 3'40" sincere and well sung another great and committed version.bootleg release NOT TOO SWEET
Las Vegas. September 2 Midnight Show. Another careful measured version throughout.
Las Vegas. September 3 3 am show. Another sincere and strong version.bootleg release KING OF THE NEON JUNGLE
Las Vegas. September 3 Midnight show. After Tom Jones intro, yet another excellent version. So similar to all the others.
Las Vegas. September 4th Midnight shows another very sincere/measured version after the Bobby Darrin, Colonel Parker intro.
Finally Colonel Parker and Bobby Darin were introduced at the closing show on September 4th 1972, then Elvis performed My Way (as on the vinyl bootleg 'to know him is to love him') A review Dated September 30, 1972 said of Bobby Darrin's show:-"HILTON HOTEL, LAS VEGAS--Bobby Darin will be the next performer to join the select rank of what is termed Las Vegas Superstar. His Hilton outing is probably the best of his career. His personality is colourful, his music ranging from "Mack The Knife" when he takes off his tie after coming on stage in a blue pin stripe suit to discarding the coat and playing the harmonica on "Midnight Special".
Its Bobby darin as his fans loved him and its Bobby Darin that strangers will soon learn to love. He offers his 1966 Tim Hardin written hit "If I Were a Carpenter" and then the 1969 song darin wrote for Hardin "A Simple Song of Freedom".
All his selections are backed with a hard, steady beat. He is backed by three voices known as "The Last Chapter" and The Joe Guercio Orchestra.
Opening the strong bill is singer Shirley Bassey. Her voice is dramatic, on key and powerful. Bassey and darin are singers who work well together, each having their own styles, which happen to be poles apart. Nevertheless, they compliment each other. Bobby Darrin had a 2 week season from Sept 5th till Sept 18th, and then Tony Bennet opened on 19th September-October 7th 1972.
1973
Honolulu 12.1.73 (3'47")-sincere, but has loose focus on 'when their was doubt' but arguably contains more 'depth' than main Aloha version-more feeling certainly towards the end. BMG release Aloha rehearsal show
Honolulu 14.1.73-'says its one of his favourite song's measured, sincere focused version until the 'straight 'ending. BMG release Aloha from Hawaii
Las Vegas 26.1.73 O/S-slow, measured, rather sombre version.
Lake Tahoe 3AM 13.5.73(3'41") fairly fast paced, (misses line 'and when their was doubt') surprisingly strong ending OK.FTD:-Taking Tahoe Tonight
Lake Tahoe 16.5.73 M/S - unavailable for review.
Atlanta 3.7.73-sincere measured version. With a good ending, but doesn't go up higher.bootleg release'At the top of the Game'
Las Vegas 11th August 1973 D/S-fairly fast paced," says the THINGS"-pretty straight 1973 type version.br>
In actual fact 1973 versions differ very little from 1972 versions in that the ending isn't 'up higher' and along the same performance level-always committed/serious but not yet 'outstanding!'.
1974
22.5.74 M/S- extremely 'rare' 1974 version. Elvis Inserts an extra 'I faced it all' line and in that he changes the lyrics giving an unexpected and very passable version. bootleg release Spring Fever
This extremely 'rare' version only came to light on CD in 2005! It may possibly be the only 1974 version! Again based similar to 1973 versions. Here with this show we have a truely rare version of My Way for 1974 . In 1972 Elvis had that soft way of singing, developing into a serious way in 1973, now in Lake Tahoe 1974 a much stronger way with new orchestral sounds, Elvis until 1977 when it was usually used with that magic power, right from his soul, Elvis kept developing the way he performed this song.
1975
10.12.75 10pm Sein Neilson duet, which gives the effect of a poor contribution from Elvis and this, is more of an unrehearsed novelty than a decent version.bootleg release NEON CITY LIGHTS or Vegas Moonlight
31.12.75-An overall poor version, but with a very good ending. What makes this version so bad is Elvis mentions that he doesn't know the words and after a hesitant start, he misses words as if he's lost his way. Next after singing 'my fill my share of laughter' he STOPS the song and re-starts from the bridge holding the word 'BLOWS' and a very strong last verse.bootleg release CHANGING PANTS
Elvis in very late 1975 seems to be getting 'interested' in performing MY WAY again after a break of some 19 months! - His longest break from singing it. At first he seems unsure but despite the break down at the 'Pontiac' show his versions seem to be differing now finishing VERY much stronger than before.
1976 WAS Elvis's year for getting MY WAY as a 'regular' song in his line up? Characteristic is the well sung versions with a strong finishing up higher ending.
1976
Kansas City 21.4.76-heartfelt version with strong ending. Elvis goes up higher at the end and it's a very well received version.
Denver 23.4.76-thoughtful and higher up to a good ending-very well received by fans.
Long Beach 25.4.76 E/S-carefully sung sincere, rich to a good higher end.
Seattle 26.4.76-fair start-not as sincere as usual (I faced it all, I would fall-laughs), (shut up Charlie)'what is a man -if not a drink he has not' measured ending but too messed up.
Spokane 27.4.77 Decent 4 minute version, not outstanding but builds to another very good and 'solid' version(released FTD America)
Lake Tahoe 30.4.76 M/S-performed after a request for the song. although great audience applause Elvis gets disturbed by this audience and mutters 'why me Lord?' and stuffs up this version.' shut up Charlie'-'to think she did all that' pity as ends well.bootleg release' SLIPPIN' & SLIDIN WITH ELVIS '
1.5.76 D/S-sincere 'I would ball'moch crying as he says his mind is going. Mixes up the words, despite fine ending. Bootleg release LIVE AT LAKESIDE
1.5.76 M/S-1 line of 'rip it up' intro and fair version only as he forgets words and makes asides' my share of heartaches'
*2.5.76-sincere version fully committed and is the best version so far in this Lake Tahoe season.
4.5.76-sincere again quite fast paced but another good version.
*7.5.76 M/S-very well sung with an excellent end.
8.5.76 D/S-deep rich voice, sincere and repeats' the record shows' and suddenly ends it! Surprisingly poor that Elvis would completely miss verses 5+6 'Yes, there were times, I'm sure you know' and 'I've loved, I've laughed and cried' were completely 'skipped' here!!
8.5.76 M/S-very sincere and measured version. 'NOT THE WORDS'...of one who kneels-way up higher and a good version throughout.
Las Vegas 9.12.76-after it's now or never and Moody Blue request. Elvis says it's been a year or so since he did it and it has 2,000 words. A false start, then another 2 false starts after which he asks for it not to be 'too fast', then after a 3rd false start Elvis complains that the sound system is as dead as hell up on stage. At the 4th attempt he sings it right through, piano & violins heard and drums beat in at the ending. A good up higher ending.
11.12.76 D/S-sung before the intros and dedicated to the Beauliau's(because its weird!)Complains that Rons drumming sounds like he's beating on a tin can, but sincere with piano, flute, violin and again a pretty good ending. Again Elvis mentions about the Beauliau's .
11.12.76 M/S-before the intros and with a very sincere opening, bass drums early on and a very sincere up higher ending.
*12.12.76-performed very early in the show after 'love me' and mentions it was written by Paul Anka.a false start as Elvis mentions 'we're wrong on the beat'-otherwise Tony I will strip that beard off your face Son. Then Elvis apologises and has strong violins on this version. Best Dec Vegas version with strong ending. Bootleg release BLACK DIAMOND
28.12.76-'Ive lived a life that's full (almost)'sounds downright sad at the start. Then Elvis laughs....'to think (hold it their)'not the words Lord of one who kneels-strong finish but not best version.bootleg release A hot winter night in Dallas
29.12.76- My Way, where he misses his cue with the comment, "longest intro in the World." He goes on to substitute the word 'case' as 'cage' (Freudian slip?) and reveals his personal involvement with the lyrics in a burst of emotion, calling out, "You know, you guys know don't you?" It ends with a higher reach than usual on the last line. 'Lord I did it my way''words,words he truly feels', ends up higher and a good version but again his asides spoil its weight-released on 3 bootlegs.
30.12.76-Performed in great sincere voice. 3 spoken words 'but then again' up to a good long ending.
31.12.76-mentions it's the longest intro, but someone's got to do it. During it Elvis asks for the piano to be turned down and 'yeah Lord and spat it out' ends on a good strong higher note. It's quite fast paced but a good version.FTD release Elvis New years Eve
Elvis's BEST versions of MY WAY don't come from December 1976 (as he seemed to have dropped performing it after Tahoe) but from the first show in 1977 onwards Elvis REALLY seemed to be making a unique version of his own even better than Sinatra's. Most of 1976 he was still -re-learning the song and the sheer 'certainty of feeling' doesn't fully come till the 1977 versions.
1977
12.2.77-one line of 'my boy' first before a great version in the first show of the year.bootleg release'hot time in miami'
13.2.77-well sung another great version and great effort at the end. bootleg release'coming on strong'
14.2.77-well sung, sincere, another very good version. bootleg release'cajun tornado'
15.2.77-good version after a genuine false start and amazing crowd reaction causes Elvis to reprise the ending and go up higher-obviously another great version! bootleg release 'going back in time'
16.2.77-well sung and a good version, but NOT outstanding. bootleg release'coming on strong'
*17.2.77-says longest intro in the world, and a false start,' and now I face the final feedback' good version and great ending in strong voice giving great audience applause. bootleg release'Savannah 77'
18.2.77-struggles over the word' charted' and stuffs this version up!re-going back a few lines-pity as a fine ending. bootleg release'release me'
*19.2.77-thoughtful version in great voice.' I DID ALL THAT'-spoken and tremendous ending. bootleg release'Tennessee Starlight'
20.2.77-very well sung version 'I FACED IT ALL' strong line but not the best ending, but still very good.FTD release 'Unchained Melody'
21.2.77-sincere and measured version. Better than last nights, very good. bootleg release'Moody Blue & other great performances'
23.3.77-performed early after 'love me' sincerely sung and another extremely good version.
25.3.77-quite a long intro, then carefully sung and another great ending performance.
26.3.77-incomplete on my tape, but has a great up higher ending.
*27.3.77-'but then again too few to mention, I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption'-all SPOKEN! Changes fill/share words around and ends again up higher-an excellent different version in rich voice bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd1
*21.4.77-slow, measured and very carefully sung. In rich voice and a truly excellent version from start to finish.
22.4.77-very sincere, measured and thoughtful version not hurried well up higher ending another excellent version.
*23.4.77-very sincere-'oh more, much more than this' strong up higher finishing and a very satisfying version. As Chris Brown witnessed Elvis dramatically drops the lyric sheets half way through and was THE concert highlight. bootleg release'Goodbye Memphis CD2'+. bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd2(stereo)
24.4.77-This version is good, but Elvis doesn't sound 100% committed here. bootleg release'Shaking up the great Lakes'
25.4.77-this is a very good version throughout (released on 'Platinum'/Spring Tours/Hitstory) great ending and applause.FTD Spring Tours CD
26.4.77-this version is much better than the Ann Arbour version much more convincing. bootleg release'Shaking up the great Lakes'
27.4.77-another strong version in good voice and strong finish-another superb version.bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd1
28.4.77-great voice-so rich, another excellent version-hardly surprising! bootleg release'I did it My Way'
*29.4.77-very sincere and deep version, totally committed and excellent version. bootleg release'A day in Duluth'
30.4.77-'to think'-Elvis gives a couple of laughs-which detracts a little from an otherwise excellent ending. bootleg release'Rip it Up'
1.5.77-Elvis introduces it as a 'great song' and its well sung, sincere and a great ending to another good version.
2.5.77-well sung and in good voice, very sincere and another good version. bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd1
3.5.77- in rich voice, a strong version very well sung.100% committed and a really deep meaningful excellent version. bootleg release'Springtime in Saginaw'
21.5.77-'more, more than this' strong and sincere another great version with a great ending!
*22.5.77-great sincere voice, every word beautifully measured and sung with feeling-outstanding again! bootleg release'Tonight 8.30 pm'
*23.5.77-tremendous sincere and rich voice outstanding version-really going for it! with excellent ending'-Tony Lioce said in his review in the journal/bulletin that Elvis captured the poignancy' singing as though he REALLY means what he's singing '-really putting his heart into it'-he reminded us all that he really has done it HIS WAY.
24.5.77-slight change of words at the beginning's DID ALL THAT'-spoken, with a really strong ending-one of the best ever endings!
25.5.77-very sincere and thoughtful, reflective even and another excellent ending and version. bootleg release'Jailhouse Rock man in Concert'
*28.5.77-performed after 'love me' and changes his mind instead of performing 'fairytale' Elvis (almost) changes the lines to 'I EAT IT ALL' tremendous rich version. Bootleg release'Philadelpia 77' Elvis really 'eat it up and spat it out' THIS version!
30.5.77-strong voice' I DID ALL THAT'-reflective and spoken, unfortunately my version misses the very last end note.
1.6.77-a long intro and Elvis looses the words part way through. My version was incomplete for review as well.
18.6.77-'but then again too few to mention'-spoken line. Another excellent ending with him really going up for that last note.
*21.6.77-very sincere and moving CBS version-one of the best! Certainly the BEST filmed version! BMG:-Elvis in Concert
25.6.77-Introduced as 'This song was recorded by Frank Sinatra -it's called MY WAY, I don't know the words to it. Sung clearly and deeply with an incredibly strong final end to a well paced version. bootleg release'Since Cincinatti'
Whilst vocally Elvis often had his problems in 1977, MY WAY Always was a concert highlight in 1977, mostly because it was so well and meaningfully performed and in a voice so rich that weight was added to EVERY SINGLE WORD, therefore myself I really DO think his best interpretations of MY WAY come from 1977. Since 1975 Elvis was starting to rely on typed lyric sheets for songs such as 'MY WAY' or 'BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER' but his dramatic dropping of the lyric sheets during the song somehow seems extra 'dramatic' compared to not using them!. Sometimes Elvis would also do 'spoken lines' which again make very memorable versions-with the brilliant Abilene 1977 version begging for a soundboard release on some future FTD project. With Elvis the certainty of feeling in the version from 'In Concert' makes it an outstanding performance in its own right. Elvis certainly lived the life! Many Memphis Mafia members said (although highly critical of Elvis) said that in 1977 he ALWAYS tried his best performing MY WAY to stand straight and deliver a good version. Always a highlight in any Elvis Concert. The newspaper 'review' that probably said it the best was from Providence on 23.5.77 show saying:-"Elvis puts on a show at the Civic Centre by Tony Lioce-
PROVIDENCE - There was a point last night, during Elvis concert at the Civic Center, when he started to sing "My Way."
The first reaction was to bridle. After all, Elvis? Singing a Paul Anka song? That Frank Sinatra made famous? Elvis? Once THE symbol of youthful rebellion against all that is shallow and phoney, singing the Las Vegas national anthem? Is this what happens to rock'n'roll rollers when they get to be 42? But he was tremendous.
Sure those lyrics about "bitting it off and spitting it out" and stuff are so contrived as to be totally ridiculous., but Presley's performance saved them, hard as that may be to believe. Singing as though he really meant what he was singing, really putting his heart into, he reminded us all that he really has done it his way. "
Would he have sung it next tour-undoubtedly! How many versions are missing that I have had no recording of to review?
Possibly missing around 29 performed versions?
1972-22 versions? (August Las Vegas)
1973- 4versions? (Vegas, Tahoe?)
1976- 1 versions (San Diego)
1977- 2 versions (Amarillo, Springfield)
18 unforgettable versions of my way performed between June 1971 and June 1977.Compiled these make a great CD running over 1 hour (bearing in mind where their was a soundboard version 'available' from any year I have chosen that one)
1.) *Studio version 10th June 1971 4:32 ELVIS - WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES
2.) Las Vegas. August 11 1972 Midnight Show. (Boot cd Elvis at full blast) very sincere, and a really excellent version.
3.) Taking Tahoe Tonight 13.5.73 3AM
4.) Lake Tahoe 22.5.74 M/S
5.) Pontiac 31.12.75
6.) *2.5.76-sincere version fully committed and is the best version so far in this Lake Tahoe season.
7.) *7.5.76 M/S-very well sung with an excellent end.
8.)*12.12.76-performed very early in the show after 'love me' and mentions it was written by Paul Anka.a false start as Elvis mentions 'we're wrong on the beat'-otherwise Tony will strip that beard off your face Son. Then Elvis apologises and has strong violins on this version. Best Dec Vegas version with strong ending.
9.) *17.2.77-says longest intro in the world, and a false start,' and now I face the final feedback' good version and great ending in strong voice giving great audience applause.
10.) *19.2.77-thoughtful version in great voice.' I DID ALL THAT'-spoken and tremendous ending.
11.) *27.3.77-'but then again too few to mention, I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption'-all SPOKEN! Changes fill/share words around and ends again up higher-an excellent different version in rich voice. bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd1
12.) *21.4.77-slow, measured and very carefully sung. In rich voice and a truly excellent version from start to finish.
13.) *23.4.77-very sincere-'oh more, much more than this' strong up higher finishing and a very satisfying version. As Elvis fan Chris Brown witnessed Elvis dramatically drops the lyric sheets half way through and was THE concert highlight. bootleg Elvis springtime tours cd2
14.) *29.4.77-very sincere and deep version, totally committed and excellent version.
12.) *22.5.77-great sincere voice, every word beautifully measured and sung with feeling-outstanding again!
15.)*23.5.77-tremendous sincere and rich voice outstanding version-really going for it! with excellent ending'-Tony said in his review in the journal/bulletin that Elvis captured the poignancy' singing as though he REALLY means what he's singing '-really putting his heart into it'-he reminded us all that he really has done it HIS WAY.
16.) *28.5.77-performed after 'love me' and changes his mind instead of performing 'fairytale' Elvis (almost) changes the lines to 'I EAT IT ALL' tremendous rich version.
17.) *21.6.77-very sincere and moving CBS version-one of the best
18.) 25.6.77- last ever version!
