Yes, David Bowie was the first person to write English lyrics to the original tune of what eventually became the global hit, "My Way."
The Genesis of a Global Anthem
The melody widely recognized as "My Way" did not originate with English lyrics. Its journey began in France with a song titled "Comme d'habitude" (meaning 'As Usual'), which was co-written and performed by the prominent French artist Claude François. This original French composition achieved significant success in its native country, laying the groundwork for its subsequent international acclaim.
David Bowie played a pivotal, though often less-known, role in the song's transition to the English-speaking world. He was the first person to craft English lyrics for this captivating French tune. These early English lyrics, while distinct from the version later popularized by Frank Sinatra, were a foundational step in the song's evolution. As stated by sources exploring the song's origins, Bowie's lyrics were the initial English adaptation that "eventually became" the global hit "My Way," underscoring his early influence on this iconic piece of music.
Key Lyricists in "My Way"'s Evolution
The transformation of "Comme d'habitude" into the globally recognized "My Way" involved several key lyrical contributions across different stages and languages.
| Role | Artist | Contribution | Original Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original French | Claude François | Co-wrote and performed "Comme d'habitude" | French |
| First English | David Bowie | Wrote the initial English lyrics for the tune that served as a precursor to "My Way" | English |
| Global Hit English | Paul Anka | Wrote the iconic, widely recognized lyrics performed by Frank Sinatra | English |
Note: While Paul Anka is globally credited for writing the definitive lyrics that Frank Sinatra famously sang, David Bowie's pioneering English adaptation represented the crucial first step in its linguistic and cultural shift from a French hit to a universal anthem.
From French Original to English Adaptation
The journey from Claude François's "Comme d'habitude" to "My Way" is a fascinating example of musical adaptation and reinterpretation. The original French lyrics often depicted a mundane and somber portrayal of routine and a strained relationship, which stood in stark contrast to the self-assured, retrospective narrative that would later define the English version.
Bowie's early English attempt, though not the one that became universally known, demonstrated the melody's potential to transcend its original lyrical context. His efforts to pen the first English lyrics provided the initial bridge, proving that the musical framework could effectively carry new narratives and emotional depths in English. This pivotal contribution by Bowie paved the way for subsequent interpretations by other lyricists, ultimately leading to the song's monumental success and its status as a timeless classic.
