Direct Answer to the Question
The song performed by Frank Sinatra as “My Way” was written by American lyricist Paul Anka to the tune of the French song “Comme d’habitude” composed by Jacques Revaux and Gilles Thibaut. Revaux and Anka share songwriting credits for the composition; Anka wrote the English lyrics, and the underlying music rights belong to the original French writers and publishers. This credit structure is clearly documented in publishing records and Sinatra’s official releases.
Background of the Song
“My Way” entered global consciousness through Frank Sinatra’s 1969 recording, but its origins lie in a French commercial song. Understanding the chain of adaptation clarifies the enduring credits and why multiple songwriters appear on the track.
Original French Song: Comme d’habitude
In 1967, the French song “Comme d’habitude” was written and composed by Jacques Revaux (music) and Gilles Thibaut (lyrics). It was originally recorded by Claude François, whose version focused on the routines of relationships. The melody and structure provided the template that would become globally recognized through Sinatra’s rendition.
Paul Anka’s Role and the English Adaptation
In 1968, Canadian-American singer-songwriter Paul Anka acquired the rights to adapt “Comme d’habitude” into English. Anka crafted a new set of lyrics that reframed the song as a personal anthem about defying regret and living with resolve. His version renamed the song “My Way” and tailored the phrasing and rhyme scheme for a broad, English-speaking audience, aligning the song with Sinatra’s persona.
Key Credits and Ownership
The song’s credits reflect both its derivation and its transformation. Below is a concise overview of rights and roles tied to the well known recording.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Performer | Frank Sinatra | Recording credit |
| English Lyricist | Paul Anka | Songwriting credit |
| Original French Composers | Jacques Revaux (music), Gilles Thibaut (lyrics) | Publishing records |
| Original French Song | “Comme d’habitude” (1967) | Music databases |
| Year of Sinatra Version | 1969 (single and album “My Way”) | Label discography |
| Copyright Status | Administered by multiple rights societies; Paul Anka’s share tied to adaptation; original writers retain compositional rights | Performance rights organizations |
Credit Structure and Rights
Because “My Way” derives from an earlier French work, it carries multiple layers of authorship. In most official performances and recordings, the writers listed include:
- Paul Anka for the English lyrics and adaptation
- Jacques Revaux for the music
- Gilles Thibaut for the original French lyrics
These credits appear on royalty statements, streaming metadata, and printed sheet music. Licensing bodies such as ASCAP, BMI, and SACEM recognize this split, ensuring that both the adaptation and the underlying composition are compensated.
Legacy and Recognition
Sinatra’s version made the song an emblem of personal resolve and has been widely covered, translated, and referenced. The clarity of its credits has helped sustain its legal use across films, commercials, and performances, while honoring the international chain of creation from the original French song to Anka’s English interpretation.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because the song’s history involves adaptation, a few points often cause confusion. Addressing these clarifies why the songwriting credits appear as they do and how rights are shared.
Is Paul Anka the sole writer of “My Way”?
No. Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics and is a co-writer of the adapted song, but he did not create the underlying melody. The music originates from Jacques Revaux and Gilles Thibaut’s French song “Comme d’habitude.”
Why does Frank Sinatra get writing credit on some releases?
Sinatra is not listed as a songwriter on the composition. In rare cases where his label or publishing entity requested a consolidated credit for marketing, his name may appear, but standard copyright and performance records show Anka, Revaux, and Thibaut as the writers.
Did Sinatra write any part of the song himself?
There is no verified evidence that Sinatra contributed musically or lyrically to “My Way.” His contribution was as the high-profile performer who popularized the track.