My Way (Comme D'Habitude)
Claude Francois · Ses Plus Grands Succès [2001]
adaptation anglaise Paul Anka
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 every 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 by-way
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.
My Way (Comme D'Habitude)
Claude François delivers a timeless classic in this 1967 recording, blending French pop sensibilities with a sophisticated swing rhythm. The track, originally titled 'Comme D'Habitude,' became a defining anthem for the artist, showcasing his mastery of vocal phrasing and melodic structure. Featured on his celebrated compilation 'Ses Plus Grands Succès [2001],' the song exemplifies the elegance of his mid-1960s work, which often harmonized romantic themes with upbeat danceable grooves. As one of his most recognizable compositions, it remains a staple of French musical history, illustrating how François transformed simple pop structures into enduring standards that continue to resonate across generations.

