English Classics - Lyrics Series

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My Way

"My Way" is a song made known by Frank Sinatra in a single released in early 1969. The song was a success for a variety of performers including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sid Vicious. "My Way" is commonly associated with nostalgia and recollection of the times and events in one's life. It is also a song that celebrates life's frustrations and triumphs.

1. Identify the three pairs of rhyming words in Verse 1 (Lines 1-8: From "And now, the end is near" to "I did it my way").

1a.

1b.

1c.

Rhyming words are words that end with the same sound. They are usually found at the end of the lines.

2. In Verse 1, what does "the final curtain" symbolise?

  1. a closure and departure
  2. a live performance
  3. a pause or short break
  4. an unknown future

Your answer:

Both "the end is near" (line 1) and the word "final" (line 2) suggest ending.

3. What does the persona mean in "I travelled each and every highway"?

  1. The persona loved adventures.
  2. The persona left home for many road trips.
  3. The persona enjoyed the feeling of high speed and excitement.
  4. The persona had many experiences in life.

Your answer:

Highway is a symbol related to the journey of life.

4. What do the following lines suggest?

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention

  1. The persona is ashamed to talk about his regrets.
  2. The persona cannot recall or remember his regrets.
  3. The persona thinks his regrets are trivial and not worth talking about.
  4. The persona thinks he has a perfect life with no regrets.

Your answer:

There is a difference between a few and too few. "A few" means "not many" and "a small number" while "too few" implies almost none.

5. What does the idiomatic expression "I bit off more than I could chew" mean?

  1. The persona had difficulty digesting life and reality.
  2. The persona took on more commitments than he could handle.
  3. The persona found it hard to swallow his pride.
  4. The persona ordered more food than he could finish.

Your answer:

Literally, the idiomatic expression "bit off more than I could chew" means you had far more food than you could chew, which could be difficult for you.

6. According to Verse 3, in the face of doubts, what did the persona do? (Lines 17-22: From "Yes, there were times..." to "And did it my way")

  1. pushed through the hardship
  2. treated himself to a feast
  3. conquered and overcame the doubt
  4. remained strong and confident
  1. (i), (ii) & (iii)
  2. (i), (ii) & (iv)
  3. (i), (iii) & (iv)
  4. (ii), (iii) & (iv)

Your answer:

The line "I ate it up and spit it out" shows the persona's action and attitude towards doubts.

7. Which of the following adjectives best describes the tone of the persona in the line "And may I say, not in a shy way" in Verse 4?"

  1. proud
  2. ironic
  3. modest
  4. arrogant

Your answer:

Consider the opposite of "shy" and decide if the answer should carry a positive or negative implication.

8. What does the phrase "the words of one who kneels" mean in the following lines?

To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels

  1. compliments
  2. insulting and hurtful words
  3. words to please and flatter
  4. words of appreciation and gratitude

Your answer:

"Kneeling" is considered a sign of weakness here. A negative meaning is implied in the use of "and not".

9. Based on the lyrics, which adjective does NOT describe the persona?

  1. tough
  2. submissive
  3. resilient
  4. sage

Your answer:

The persona is presented as strong and confident throughout the song.

10. Which of the following occasions is the song suitable for?

  1. a secondary school graduation
  2. a wedding banquet
  3. a retirement farewell dinner
  4. a funeral or memorial service
  1. (i) & (ii)
  2. (iii) & (iv)
  3. (i), (iii) & (iv)
  4. (ii), (iii) & (iv)

Your answer:

The song suggests confidence and moral strengths that come with age and experience.

My Way

Score Sheet

Questions Results
Question 1a
Question 1b
Question 1c
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5
Question 6
Question 7
Question 8
Question 9
Question 10
Total

Extended Questions: Think and Share

11. The song focuses on an old man's reflection on his past. The following questions are asked in the song:

What is a man?
What has he got?

What are your answers to these questions? What qualities one should possess as a "man" / human?

12. Paul Arden, the author of the book, Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite, once said, "It's better to regret what you have done than what you haven't." Do you agree with his view? Explain with your own experience.