When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'
"When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'" is a song by American band Sparks, released in October 1994 by Logic Records as the first single from their 1994 album Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins. Written and produced by band members Russell and Ron Mael, the song references Frank Sinatra's signature song "My Way" and was a number seven hit in Germany. In the United States, it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, and it was also a top 40 hit in the United Kingdom. The song was re-released as a single the following year, this time peaking at number 32 in the UK. Its accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller.
One of artwork variants for the original 1994 release
Sparks is an American pop and rock duo formed by brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals) in Los Angeles. The duo is noted for their quirky approach to songwriting; their music is often accompanied by sophisticated and acerbic lyrics—often about women, and sometimes containing literary or cinematic references—and an idiosyncratic, theatrical stage presence, typified by the contrast between Russell's animated, hyperactive frontman antics and Ron's deadpan scowling. Russell Mael has a distinctive wide-ranging voice, while Ron Mael plays keyboards in an intricate and rhythmic style. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept the band at the forefront of modern, artful pop music.
Sparks during a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2023. Russell Mael (left) and Ron Mael.
Sparks performing at Rough Trade East, Brick Lane, London in September 2017