Scott McKenzie – San Francisco

About the song

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” penned by John Phillips and performed by Scott McKenzie, stands as a quintessential anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement. Released in May 1967, the song was a strategic promotion for the Monterey International Pop Music Festival organized by Phillips and Lou Adler, slated for June of that year. Its melodic charm and evocative lyrics swiftly captured the hearts of listeners, earning it widespread acclaim and enduring cultural significance.

John Phillips, renowned for his role in The Mamas & the Papas, not only wrote the song but also contributed guitar alongside session musicians Gary L. Coleman on orchestra bells, Joe Osborn on bass guitar, and Hal Blaine on drums. This collaboration resulted in a track that resonated deeply with the era’s social and political climate, embodying themes of peace, love, and youthful rebellion.

Upon its release, “San Francisco” ascended the charts with notable success, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the number one position on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity extended across Europe, where it topped charts in Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.

Beyond its chart achievements, the song became synonymous with the Summer of Love, a pivotal moment in cultural history marked by a surge in psychedelic music and the convergence of youthful idealism in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. It became an unofficial anthem for the Hippie movement, advocating a carefree spirit and embracing of countercultural values.

“San Francisco” has endured through decades, leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture. Its inclusion in films such as “Forrest Gump” and its reinterpretations by diverse artists like U2 and New Order underscore its enduring influence. The song’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of a time when music served as a powerful catalyst for social change and unity.

In summary, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” remains a timeless ode to an era defined by its idealism and resistance, encapsulating the essence of a generation’s quest for freedom and expression amidst a turbulent world.

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