An Analysis Of A Song "My Way" By Frank Sinatra

 

The song lyrics were written by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1969. "My way" tells about the feeling of relief, the celebration, and the recognition of not being perfect. This is a song about making mistakes, taking risks, and facing the consequences of decisions. 

"My Way" will forever be one of my favorite songs. This song is just spectacular, especially the way Frank Sinatra delivered it in a dramatic way. The strong voice matched well with the dramatic instrument. It makes me overwhelmed by the tears.

Let's take a look at these lyrics!

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

These lyrics represent someone who is sure enough with his attitude, his opinion, and his belief. He has faced the challenge of his life, and now that he's at the "end," it could mean that he is almost facing the final of his mission.

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

As I mentioned earlier, he has faced the challenges of his life. I interpret "traveled" as trying everything. Meaning that he has done everything to pursue his passion or his mission. But he did it in his own 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

In every journey, he often feels the regression of his choice. But what can he do? He has already done it anyway. Sometimes he just has to do what's right in his eyes without caring what others think. 

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the by way

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

These lyrics represent someone who lives with a long-term plan, so he can be more careful while exploring the journey of his life. He is always prepared in his own 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

"When I bit off more than I could chew," Sometimes he has the feeling of being overworked and the feeling of doubting himself because of all the criticism he gets from other people. But no worries, because all he has to do is just "ate it up" (accepting) and "spit it out" (not caring), and don't forget to "faced it all and stood tall," meaning that he has to deal with it. 

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

Oh, no, oh, no, not me

I did it my way

These lyrics represent him, who is already fed up with the emotions he has been through. He already felt everything, and when he's done crying, he looks back at his own memory, proud of himself and laughing confidently, admiring his own works and achievements in life. And of course, he did it in his own 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

Yes, it was my way

These lyrics highlight the importance of expressing a true feeling. Especially if you're a man (according to the lyrics), if he can't express his own feelings or do what he needs to do, what else has he got? He needs to express his feelings because of himself, not because "someone who kneels" (other people). All of the achievements he has, he celebrates, he shows, and he is proud of them. You know why? Because he did it his own way. 

[EY]