The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
And now the end is near
And so I face that final curtain
My friend, I'll make it clear
I'll state my case of which I am certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, 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, much more
I did it, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
And through it all, whenever there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and stood tall
And did it, did it my way
I've loved, laughed and cried
I had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as the tears subside
I find that it's all so amusing
And to think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
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
Not to say the things that he truly feels
And not the words of someone who kneels
That record shows I took all the blows
And did it my way
And so I face that final curtain
My friend, I'll make it clear
I'll state my case of which I am certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, 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, much more
I did it, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
And through it all, whenever there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and stood tall
And did it, did it my way
I've loved, laughed and cried
I had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as the tears subside
I find that it's all so amusing
And to think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
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
Not to say the things that he truly feels
And not the words of someone who kneels
That record shows I took all the blows
And did it my way
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I wouldn't say it's a sad song. More of a proud song. His not sad that his getting old, but proud of himself and the way he accomplished his challenges throughout his life. He sums it up perfectly in the last verse. "For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught." It's a lovely song, and a modest one as well. Doesn't it make you feel that when your older you want to look back on your life and say, "I did it my way" and then smile? If the answer is yes then I guess Old Blue Eyes has made you feel exactly what he wanted you to feel.
This song is a perfect explanation of existentialism
This is the ultimate song. I mean no matter what kind of music you listen to, or whatnot, you must like this song. I command you to! Sinatra = God.
This song will never get old! It's a classic and always will be.
THIS WILL BE THE ONLY SONG PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL old blue eyes is the king
Pretty simple. Already been stated, but I'll say it 'my way' (heh heh heh). Looking back at your life when you're older, and being proud and feeling accomplished that you went through your life, took the beatings, and did everything your way. Like said before, very modest song.VERY fitting for Sinatra. He seemed like a really tough, not gonna take crap from anyone guy to me, and this song just proves my point. He was who he was, and he did things his way, and he made it through everything.
we all wish when our time comes, we can stand proud say this. Not just a song, but a way of life.
This song is very sad, it's like he's dying and he's just reassuring everyone that he's had a good life but he knows his time is up and he's got to go.
i would have to agree on this one but at the same time not really. it's more like -as you said- he's dying and reassuring everyone he lived a full life BUT to not be sad because he lived so well and he might not mind death too much. but at the same time it kinda sounds like he is reassuring himself he lived well.
Old blue eyes, my nigga. I did it my way.
this song rocks to no end. its such a timeless wonderful song and i am a big frank fan. this is one of my favourites though. xoox