Their Way (My Way Education Parody)

My first encounter with this parody of Paul Anka's "My Way" (famously sung by Frank Sinatra) was at my father's Ph.D. graduation. The speaker gave us wonderful words of wisdom and humor and ended with his rendition of this education-themed version. I changed the verses at the end to reflect the way he sang it to us then in 2001 (all "arrogant" tenured professor like!). I was so so pleased to hear the same speaker give the same speech with the same closing song years later at my cousin's graduation (from a different university).

What I'm trying to say is that this song just gives me, someone who thought she'd always dwell in the hallowed halls of academia, the warm fuzzies. I can't find much consensus on where it originates from (odd... is there really info you can't google still?!!), so please let me know if you have an idea!

THEIR WAY

I came, bought all my books, lived in a dorm, followed directions,
I worked, I studied hard, met lots of folks who had connections.
I crammed, they gave me grades, though may I say not in a fair way,
But more, much more than this, I did it their way.

I learned a lot of facts although I know I'll never use them.
The courses that I took were all required; I didn't choose them.
I learned, that to survive, it's best to act the doctrinaire way.
And so I buckled down and did it their way.

But there were times I wondered why I had to walk when I could fly.
I had my doubts, but after all, I clipped my wings, I learned to crawl.
I learned to bend, and in the end, I did it their way!

And now, my fine young friend, I have become a full Professor,
Where once I was oppressed, I have become the cruel Oppressor!
Like me, you'll learn to fly, you'll learn to climb life's golden stairway!
Like me, you'll see the light. You'll do it my way!

What can I say, what can I do?
Go to the book, read Chapter 2.
And if to you it seems routine, don't speak to me, go tell the Dean.
As long as they give me my pay, I'll do it my way.