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21 Jul 01 - 09:33 AM (#511914) Subject: Request 'My Way' From: Llanfair On Thursday, during our music night,(which turned out to be more diverse than usual) the drunk in the corner asked me to sing "My Way". I smiled and apologised for not knowing the song or how to play it (to avoid any thoughts of accompanying him whilst he sang it!) My initial reaction was annoyance that this guy wanted to hear a crass song like that, and that he didn't understand about the folk and blues that we were playing, but when Ian was doing the Chicken song, I realised that our philosophy of accepting all kinds of music and encouragement of musicians of all abilities should have included his request. I really hate that song, and it's associations, but is it the folk music of the future? Did drunks ask wandering minstrels to play greensleeves all the time, when they really wanted to get to grips with the most up-to-date ballads? I feel bad for refusing him, and worse for despising his taste in music. Opinions, Please!! Cheers, Bron. |
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21 Jul 01 - 10:31 AM (#511966) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca I'm not a singer normally, but on occasion I put it on if there is a request. I may not like the song any more, but.... It's a request. I feel that if there isn't a really good reason for not doing it, then I feel it should be done. IF you don't have the words, or the tune in the head or some other reason like that. |
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21 Jul 01 - 12:06 PM (#511997) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Rick Fielding I hear ya Bron. For years I privately made fun of similar requests (and sadly, the folks that made them). It was a snotty attitude, and I should have known better. My personal "non-favourites" were "Green Green Grass of Home, Please Release me, and King of the Road". One day for no apparent reason I started thinking "If these songs are SO meaningful to so many people, then they must be affecting them the same way Leadbelly or Jimmie Rogers or Hank Williams affected me." It got me to thinking how THOSE artists who mean so much to me, would have handled similar requests. The answer that I came up with, was that they'd probably have SUNG 'em if they could, and if not, would have politely declined. Got rid of my "folkier than thou" attitude, around that time. 'Course Sid Vicious made "My Way" HIS song (no Sinatra or Paul Anka in HIS version) Rick |
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21 Jul 01 - 01:54 PM (#512051) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: McGrath of Harlow I see that the song is credited to "Paul Anka, Jacques Revaux, Claude Francois", so presumably the man responsible for "I ate it up and spit it out" and so forth is" is Paul Anka.
It occurs to me that the word of the original song in French are likely to be significantly better. Maybe somebody would like to find them and post them. It'd provide an alternative way of dealing with this kind of situation to be able to offer to sing it in French. |
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21 Jul 01 - 02:01 PM (#512059) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Cobble From the Oxford English dictionary. Folk Song: a song of popular or traditional origin or style. Seems like anything goes, Cobble. |
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21 Jul 01 - 02:01 PM (#512060) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Lyrical Lady 'My Way' in Spanish is beautiful ... you hear it in Mexico all the time. I have sung it at lots of funerals and also for my sweet friend on her 100th birthday! It seems to speak to people of a certain generation ... they want to hear it so I sing it for them! LL |
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21 Jul 01 - 11:33 PM (#512271) Subject: Lyr Add: MY WAY (C Francois, J Revaux, P Anka) From: dick greenhaus MY WAY Writer(s): Claude Francois, Jacques Revaux, 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 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! (A good intro for Bob Blue's brilliant parody "Their Way") |
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22 Jul 01 - 12:02 PM (#512369) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Bill D brilliant, indeed! it seems to be in the database and I KNOW has been posted, but I am having trouble with supersearch right now, so here is another link to "Their Way" |
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22 Jul 01 - 01:21 PM (#512382) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: McGrath of Harlow Yes, but that's just Anka's vandalised version in English. How did the original version go? |
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22 Jul 01 - 03:54 PM (#512421) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Allan C. I can't speak or even read French and so I can't be certain. But I believe that I may have found what you are seeking. If I am seeing it rightly, the name of the original song is "Comme d'habitude" and can be found here |
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22 Jul 01 - 05:27 PM (#512443) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: McGrath of Harlow Got it - thanks Allan. The "translate" facility (courtesy of Babelfish) gives an idea of what the song's about. So it turns out Anka's version isn't actually a translation, but rather itb is a total rewrite with a completely different plot, and a much less interesting situation.
So instead of being a song about a pompous selfcentred and self-satisfied arrogant monster, the original turns out to be about a poor wretch devoted to a lover who is totally indifferent. A much much better song. Maybe someone should try translating it.
But it wouldn't go down so well at funerals I suppose. |
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22 Jul 01 - 05:35 PM (#512447) Subject: Lyr Add: COMME D'HABITUDE From: McGrath of Harlow COMME D'HABITUDE Je me lève Et je te bouscule Tu ne te réveilles pas Comme d'habitude Sur toi je remonte le drap J'ai peur que tu aies froid Comme d'habitude Ma main caresse tes cheveux Presque malgré moi Comme d'habitude Mais toi tu me tournes le dos Comme d'habitude
Alors je m'habille très vite
Comme d'habitude
Et puis le jour s'en ira
Comme d'habitude
Comme d'habitude from Monique, 27 February 2024: The last verse is missing Comme d'habitude (As usual) On fera semblant (We'll pretend) Oui, comme d'habitude (Yes, as usual) On fera l'amour (We'll make love) Oui, comme d'habitude (Yes, as usual) On fera semblant (We'll pretend) Oui, comme d'habitude. (Yes, as usual) |
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23 Jul 01 - 12:29 PM (#512623) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Les from Hull Bron - you can just about sing Wild Rover to the tune of My Way and get rid of two of them for the price of one! |
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23 Jul 01 - 02:44 PM (#512708) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: pattyClink Learn it in Spanish, it's beautiful. I don't have a link handy but I have found it on the net. Search lyric databases for "A Mi Manera", hear it on disc by Gipsy Kings. I feel for your predicament. As much as I'd like other people to oblige sincere requests from the hapless or clueless or lonely, I have my own skin-crawling versions I can't help with. The despicable Kenny Rogers. The 'ya know any James Taylor?' |
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23 Jul 01 - 04:56 PM (#512835) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Llanfair I suppose I get cross because the person with the request is obviously not listening to what is going on, but wants to be a part of the action. I had already played "Annies Song" for him to sing, which he did in true pub drunk style!!!! I'll try to be more tolerant!!! Since I finished work I seem to have much less patience with people!!! Cheers, Bron the ratty!!!! |
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23 Jul 01 - 09:32 PM (#513001) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Burke It's just a completely different set of words by Gilles Thibaut. Anka must have liked the tune by Jacques Revaux et Claude François & written his own words. |
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23 Jul 01 - 10:33 PM (#513033) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Marion Llanfair, you might want to see also the discussion in this thread: Playing What You Like or What They Want" Marion |
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23 Jul 01 - 11:00 PM (#513057) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Mark Cohen I'd have to hear it sung, but I can't see the words to "D'Habitude" fitting the tune to "My Way" at all. Am I missing something, or did Anka twist the tune around, too? Aloha, Mark |
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23 Jul 01 - 11:17 PM (#513068) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Mountain Dog Hmmm. Is it true that Anka's middle initial is "W"...should be, anyway... |
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24 Jul 01 - 04:28 AM (#513186) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: Llanfair I thought "comme d'habitude" was "As usual", which is a direct translation, but I couldn't find the song on the lyrics site I've got. It is a completely different song!!! Cheers, Bron. |
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24 Jul 01 - 07:17 AM (#513250) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: McGrath of Harlow Click on the link Allan C gave up there, Mark, and you'll see how the words go with the tune. Mind it's a horrible sounding rendition, all overblown and insensitive. The only merit is has is that you only get a brief snatch of it. I suspect that, sung more quietly and thoughtfully, comme d'habitude is probably a pretty good song.
Unlike Paul Anka's abomination. |
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24 Jul 01 - 01:53 PM (#513562) Subject: RE: Request 'My Way' From: M.Ted No question, "My Way" is the tune we love to hate--although the "Gipsy Kings" version does redeem it-- My tastes run toward the kitschy, so no request, no matter how bizarre, was ever turned down, unless I didn't know enough of the song to play through the chorus. I have played "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Lara's Theme", sometimes, as a strolling musician, many times in the same evening.In my golden days as a "professional folksinger", I beat both "Country Roads" and "Fire and Rain" to death--they were much requested--and, much played, at least when I was the featured act. Other folks that worked the same venues that I did were amazed that I generally doubled my pay with tips--But people who have been drinking tend to be a bit loose with their money--It has been said that children and drunks keep music alive, and I am in no position to disagree with it-- |
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26 Feb 24 - 06:19 PM (#4198092) Subject: RE: Singing Paul Anka's 'My Way' can get you killed From: Joe Offer What's the original French song? Is it as narcissistic as the Anka song? The Sinatra recording is often requested at Catholic funerals. Many Catholic dioceses have banned it at funerals. |
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26 Feb 24 - 09:32 PM (#4198104) Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: My Way (C Francois, J Revaux, P Anka) From: GerryM The original French song is called "Comme d'habitude", which is French for "as usual". I have never heard it, nor have I seen the lyrics, but I've read that Anka's lyrics are not at all based on the French song. |
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27 Feb 24 - 02:07 AM (#4198105) Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: My Way (C Francois, J Revaux, P Anka) From: Monique You can hear it here or live here. Claude François (1939-1978) wrote the lyrics in reference to his recent breakup with the singer France Gall (1947-2018). You'll find 4 English translations on Lyrics translate along with the same original video from 1967. Lyrics: McGrath of Harlow posted them above on his 22 July 01 post. The last verse is missing Comme d'habitude (As usual) On fera semblant (We'll pretend) Oui, comme d'habitude (Yes, as usual) On fera l'amour (We'll make love) Oui, comme d'habitude (Yes, as usual) On fera semblant (We'll pretend) Oui, comme d'habitude. (Yes, as usual) |
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02 Mar 24 - 07:49 PM (#4198415) Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: My Way (C Francois, J Revaux, P Anka) From: Tattie Bogle Yes, totally different meaning and ambience about “Comme D’Habitude” compared with “My Way”: just recycling a good tune. I much prefer the French lyrics. |
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04 Mar 24 - 06:17 AM (#4198491) Subject: RE: Lyr ADD: My Way (C Francois, J Revaux, P Anka) From: GUEST,henryp You can also sing the hymn How can I keep from singing? to the tune of Comme d'habitude/My Way. Just try it! My life flows on in endless song, Above earth’s lamentation. I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn That hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? And I've written a new verse; And now we face the darkest hour, The night is cold and lonely. The road is rough, we've come so far, We long for comfort only. But soon we'll feel the warming rays That a new dawn is bringing, And we'll enjoy happier days. How can I keep from singing? |