Paul Anka Shares the Story of Writing “My Way” for Frank Sinatra
Few songs in popular music carry the weight of “My Way.” It’s not just a ballad — it’s a declaration. And according to Paul Anka, its creation happened almost by accident.
In 1968, Anka was in France when he heard a song called “Comme d’habitude,” performed by Claude François. The melody struck him immediately. He purchased the rights, sensing there was something powerful hidden inside the tune — but he didn’t yet know what it would become.
The breakthrough came after a dinner with Frank Sinatra.
At the time, Sinatra was feeling restless. He had hinted at retirement and was frustrated with the changing music landscape. Anka listened carefully that night as Sinatra spoke about his life — the fights, the triumphs, the mistakes, the pride. Anka later said he went home and wrote the English lyrics in a single sitting, imagining exactly how Sinatra would phrase each line.
He didn’t write the song about Sinatra.
He wrote it as Sinatra.
From the opening words — “And now, the end is near…” — the song sounds like a personal reflection from a man standing at the edge of his own legend. The lyrics are unapologetic, self-assured, even defiant. Regret is acknowledged, but never surrendered to. It’s about owning every decision, good or bad.
When Anka presented the finished version to Sinatra, he reportedly told him, “This is for you.” Sinatra recorded it in 1969, and though it wasn’t initially an explosive chart hit in America, it grew into one of the most defining songs of his career — and arguably one of the most iconic songs ever recorded.
Ironically, Sinatra had a complicated relationship with “My Way” later in life, sometimes growing weary of it. But audiences never did. The song became synonymous with his identity — the ultimate anthem of self-determination.
Paul Anka has often reflected on how quickly it all came together. A French melody. A late-night writing session. A voice in his head that sounded exactly like Frank Sinatra.
“My Way” wasn’t just written for Sinatra.
It was written to be him.
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