Who Wrote “My Way”: Authors, History, and Key Facts

Summary: Who Wrote “My Way”

The song known as “My Way” is fundamentally rooted in the 1967 French song “Comme d’habitude.” That original was written by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut. In 1969, Paul Anka acquired the rights and rewrote the English lyrics, creating the version popularized by Frank Sinatra. As a result, the widely recognized “My Way” credits Paul Anka for the English adaptation while acknowledging the earlier French composition. This article explains the full lineage, rights, and common points of confusion.

Key Credits and Origins

The French Original: “Comme d’habitude”

Before “My Way,” there was “Comme d’habitude,” a French song released in 1967. The music was composed by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, while the French lyrics were written by Gilles Thibaut. The song’s themes of routine and resignation set the melodic and emotional foundation that Paul Anka would later adapt. Understanding this origin is essential to answering who wrote “My Way” in its famous English form.

Paul Anka’s Adaptation and Authorship

In 1969, Canadian-American songwriter Paul Anka acquired the rights to “Comme d’habitude.” He wrote entirely new English lyrics, transforming the song into “My Way.” Anka’s version reframed the narrative around personal defiance and reflection, which closely aligned with Frank Sinatra’s persona. As the sole writer of the English lyrics and the person who secured the rights, Paul Anka is rightly credited as a co-writer of the enduring English version, alongside the original composers.

Rights, Publishing, and Legal Clarity

The question “who wrote My Way” often overlooks the distinction between the underlying composition and the new lyrics. Paul Anka did not write the melody; he adapted existing music. However, his work on the English lyrics and the licensing agreement that made the adaptation possible were crucial. Rights typically involve Claude François, Jacques Revaux, Gilles Thibaut (or their heirs) for the music, and Paul Anka for the English lyrics. This layered authorship is why legal and publishing contexts reference multiple writers for “My Way.”

Common Misconceptions

Some assume Frank Sinatra wrote “My Way,” but he was the performer, not the writer. Others believe the song is entirely original, not recognizing its basis in the French tune. Still, others credit only Paul Anka, omitting the original composers. Clarifying these points helps answer who wrote “My Way” accurately and comprehensively.

• Frank Sinatra performed “My Way” but did not write it.
• The melody derives from “Comme d’habitude” by Claude François and Jacques Revaux.
• Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics and secured the adaptation rights.
• Gilles Thibaut wrote the original French lyrics.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

“My Way,” thanks to Paul Anka’s adaptation and Frank Sinatra’s iconic rendition, became synonymous with personal resolve and late-career reflection. The song’s durability illustrates how adaptations can renew international works while respecting original authorship. By crediting both the French originators and Anka’s lyrical reinterpretation, the song’s history offers a transparent model for cross-language musical transformation.