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377 epilogue Having represented Frank Sinatra at the request of my law school classmate Mickey Rudin, I became a big fan of his music. Before Elvis and the Beatles, this skinny boy from New Jersey rose to the top of his profession. And he did it through sheer talent, persistence, and tenacity. He did it his own way. As his career was coming to a close, his still rich voice filled the concert hall with an anthem to a life well lived—in his own inimitable style. In my ninetieth year, the song resonates well with me. While I could never sing it, I set it forth below with a few personal modifications. My Way And now, the end is here And so I face the final curtain My friend, I’ll say it clear I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain I’ve lived a life that’s full I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway And more, much more than this, I did it my way Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption I planned [almost] each charted course, each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this, I did it my way 07-0488-1 epi_and_acks.indd 377 9/13/10 1:06 PM 378 / Epilogue Yes, there were times, I’m sure you kn[o]w When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood [firm] and did it my way I’ve loved [Lovida], I’ve laughed and cried I’ve had my fill, my share of losing And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing To think I did all [what’s herein] And may I say, not in a [too] shy way, “Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way” For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself [and his family, his friends, his law partners, his clients, and his nation], then he has naught To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows and did it my way! Yes, it was my way. I have been blessed with great work and challenging opportunities. I urge each generation to reach out to help the younger generation, regardless of color, gender , or religious beliefs.This is essential if our nation is to remain a world leader, for diversity is our greatest strength. It is essential in the interconnected world in which we now live. We are no longer an isolated oasis protected by two great oceans. We must remain vigilant and ready to rise to the occasion if another Dred Scott or Plessy v. Ferguson comes along to challenge the rights of a substantial group of Americans. I continually challenge my children, Bill III, Lovida Jr., and Hardin, as well as my grandchildren, Jesse, Aaron, Bill IV, and Amadeus, to swim boldly in the mainstream and to strive for that more perfect union. (I would like to thank Paul Anka, who wrote the original English lyrics of “My Way.” Mr. Anka personally authored the English lyrics to “My Way” for his dear friend Frank Sinatra, who recorded the original English version.) English Lyrics by Paul Anka Original French Lyric by Gilles Thibault Music by Jacques Revaux & Claude Francois©1967 Chrysalis Standards, Inc. (BMI)/Warner Chappell Music France (SACEM)/Editions Jeune Musique (SACEM)/Jingoro Music Co. (BMI)/Architechtural Music Co. (BMI) All Rights In the USA Administered by Chrysalis Standards, Inc. (BMI), Jingoro Music Co. (BMI) and Architechtural Music Co. (BMI) Copyright Renewed. International Copyright Secured All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission 07-0488-1 epi_and_acks.indd 378 9/29/10 4:04 PM ...

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