David_bowie_my_way May 2026

Bowie was reportedly "piqued" by the massive success of Sinatra’s version. In what many consider a brilliant act of creative revenge, he decided to write a song that parodied the structure and sentiment of "My Way." That song became

In 1968, David Bowie was a struggling young artist. His publisher asked him to write English lyrics for a French song by Claude François. Bowie’s version, titled was never officially released. He recorded a demo of it, but his lyrics—which focused on the heartbreak of a clown—were ultimately rejected in favor of the version penned by Paul Anka . david_bowie_my_way

Though Bowie never officially released a studio version of "My Way," his history with the track highlights his early struggles and his ability to turn professional rejection into legendary art. You can explore more about this history through BBC Four's documentary on the origins of the song. Bowie was reportedly "piqued" by the massive success

Interestingly, "My Way" eventually became a staple for artists across all genres, including a famous punk cover by , which Bowie reportedly enjoyed, noting the irony of the song's journey from a French pop tune to a punk anthem. Bowie’s version, titled was never officially released