who sang i did it my way
Frank Sinatra famously sang "My Way," the iconic English adaptation of the French song "Comme d'habitude." Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics specifically for Sinatra after hearing the original while vacationing in France. Recorded in one take on December 30, 1968, it became a massive hit, peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Origins
The original French version, "Comme d'habitude," was written by Jacques Revaux, Gilles Thibault, and Claude François in 1967. Paul Anka adapted it into "My Way" inspired by Sinatra's desire to retire from show business, crafting lyrics about living life on one's own terms during a late-night session. Sinatra's version, from his 1969 album of the same name, spent 75 weeks in the UK Top 40, marking it as one of the longest-charting singles ever.
Notable Covers
Elvis Presley recorded a popular version in 1977, often performed live during his later years. Punk icon Sid Vicious delivered a raw, snarling cover in 1979, contrasting Sinatra's smooth delivery. More recently, in 2019, Margaret Mackie's emotional rendition from a care home went viral, raising funds for dementia charities when released as a single in 2020.
Cultural Impact
"My Way" embodies themes of independence and reflection, resonating across generations and genres. It's frequently played at funerals in the UK, dubbed the "quintessential song of remorse" for its introspective lyrics. While JAY-Z sampled elements in his 2002 track "I Did It My Way," the phrase in the query points directly to Sinatra's timeless standard.
TL;DR: Frank Sinatra is the definitive singer of "My Way" (1969), with Paul Anka as the lyricist. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.