From "Comme d'habitude" to "My Way": How a French Ballad Became a Global Anthem

From "Comme d'habitude" to "My Way": How a French Ballad Became a Global Anthem

Introduction

When you hear Frank Sinatra’s iconic "My Way," it’s easy to believe it was written specifically for his powerful, introspective voice. But behind this legendary English track lies the heart of a very different song, a melancholic French ballad titled "Comme d'habitude." The connection between the two is a fascinating story of cross-cultural creativity, heartbreak, and musical reinvention.

The Origin: "Comme d'habitude" (1967)

"Comme d'habitude", which translates to "As Usual", was composed by Jacques Revaux and written by Claude François and Gilles Thibaut. It tells the story of a fading romance, depicting the monotonous routine of a couple who have fallen out of love.

Released in November 1967, the song was a hit in France. François, already a beloved pop star, poured his emotional life into the song, reportedly drawing inspiration from his own breakup. The haunting melody and emotionally raw lyrics resonated deeply with listeners.

A New Life: Paul Anka and the English Adaptation

In 1968, Canadian-American singer-songwriter Paul Anka discovered "Comme d'habitude" while vacationing in France. Captivated by its melody, he saw potential beyond its original context. He negotiated the rights to adapt the song into English, but instead of translating the lyrics, Anka wrote an entirely new set, tailor-made for Frank Sinatra.

Where the original French version focused on the daily pain of lost love, Anka’s lyrics took on a reflective, almost philosophical tone. The English version became a bold statement of individualism and pride: “I did it my way.”

The Classic is Born: "My Way" (1969)

Frank Sinatra recorded "My Way" in early 1969. With Anka’s lyrics and the original melody by Revaux and François, it quickly became Sinatra’s signature song and an enduring anthem for those who live life on their own terms.

Interestingly, Sinatra himself had mixed feelings about the song later in life, once calling it "self-serving." But for millions around the world, it symbolized strength, reflection, and personal conviction.

Same Tune, Different Soul

Though "My Way" and "Comme d'habitude" share the same music, they are emotionally worlds apart:

	Comme d'habitude	My Way
Language	French	English
Theme	Routine, lost love	Reflection, self-determination
Mood	Melancholy	Defiant, proud
Year	1967	1969
Artist	Claude François	Frank Sinatra

A Global Legacy

Both versions went on to inspire countless covers by artists across genres and languages, from Elvis Presley and Nina Simone, to Sid Vicious and Andrea Bocelli. The melody’s ability to carry different emotional messages makes it one of the most versatile in modern music history.

Final Notes

The journey from "Comme d'habitude" to "My Way" is more than a translation story, it’s a transformation. It's a perfect example of how music transcends borders and languages, adapting to different voices, cultures, and meanings while keeping its emotional power.

So next time you hear Sinatra belting “I did it my way,” remember: he wasn’t the first, and the original had a very different story to tell.

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