And now, the end is near;
And 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 ev'ry highway;
But 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,
But 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,
"No, oh 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 things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!


Lyrics submitted by kevin

My Way song meanings
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47 Comments

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  • +6
    General Comment

    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.

    TheLuckyChickenon April 16, 2002   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    This song is a perfect explanation of existentialism

    atrainon February 26, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    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.

    Crusty_mabibaon April 30, 2002   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    This song will never get old! It's a classic and always will be.

    U2babeon September 07, 2002   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    Old blue eyes, my nigga. I did it my way.

    tenburner22on March 03, 2003   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    THIS WILL BE THE ONLY SONG PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL old blue eyes is the king

    morgan_macdon November 06, 2006   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    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.

    vlaricon July 25, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    we all wish when our time comes, we can stand proud say this. Not just a song, but a way of life.

    Behzadon April 09, 2014   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    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.

    freyajoneson January 28, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    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

    wishingforwingson March 10, 2003   Link

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