San Francisco – Scott McKenzie

About the song

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie is an iconic anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement. Released in May 1967, the song became synonymous with the Summer of Love, capturing the spirit of peace, love, and youthful idealism that defined an era. Written by John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, “San Francisco” was intended to promote the Monterey Pop Festival, which was one of the first major rock festivals and a seminal event in rock history.

The song’s gentle melody and poignant lyrics invite listeners to join the burgeoning cultural revolution in San Francisco, a city that had become a magnet for young people seeking a new way of life. The chorus, “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,” quickly became a symbol of the hippie movement and the broader desire for peace and community.

“San Francisco” was included in Scott McKenzie’s debut album, *The Voice of Scott McKenzie*, released in 1967. The album, though not as widely known as the single, showcases McKenzie’s clear, resonant voice and his ability to convey the emotional depth of the era’s music.

Upon its release, “San Francisco” achieved instant success, reaching the number 4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and climbing to number 1 on the charts in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Its success was not just a testament to the song’s catchy tune and heartfelt message but also to its perfect timing, as it resonated deeply with the young people of the time.

The song’s impact went beyond commercial success; it became a cultural milestone. It played a significant role in drawing national and international attention to the counterculture movement that was flourishing in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. The lyrics spoke to a generation longing for change and searching for a new, more compassionate society.

Scott McKenzie’s “San Francisco” continues to be celebrated as one of the defining songs of the 1960s. It captures a moment in time when music, culture, and politics were intricately intertwined, and it remains a powerful reminder of the era’s ideals. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal message of peace and love, which continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

In conclusion, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” is more than just a song; it’s a historical artifact that encapsulates the ethos of the 1960s. Scott McKenzie’s heartfelt performance, combined with John Phillips’ evocative lyrics, created an enduring classic that still inspires and moves people today. Whether you lived through the era or are discovering the song for the first time, its message of peace and love remains as relevant as ever.

Video

Lyrics

If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people there

For those who come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
In the streets of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair

All across the nation
Such a strange vibration
People in motion

There’s a whole generation
With a new explanation
People in motion
People in motion

For those who come to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there

If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there