Bendistraw

Karaoke bars in the Philippines have been removing the classic Frank Sinatra anthem "My Way" from their play-books in the past few years in hopes of alleviating a threat to their patrons. More than half a dozen karaoke singers have been killed in the past 10 years while singing the song. Urban Legends and fear have resulted in self-inflicted censorship. The question must be asked (as the NY Times points out) are the killings a byproduct of the country's culture of violence or is there something inherently evil and sinister in the song?

Karaoke-related killings are not limited to the Philippines. In the past two years alone, a Malaysian man was fatally stabbed for hogging the microphone at a bar and a Thai man killed eight of his neighbors in a rage after they sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Karaoke-related assaults have also occurred in the United States, including at a Seattle bar where a woman punched a man for singing Coldplay’s “Yellow” after criticizing his version.

"My Way" was written by Paul Anka for Frank as a musical Cliffs Notes of Frank's career. Apparently many can relate and thus the song as become hugely popular in all karaoke circles. Perhaps people hear bad versions as an insult to Frank himself? Either way, be careful out there. Stick to "Baby Got Back".

Link via- NY Times