San Francisco – Scott McKenzie (1967)

About the song

Let me take you on a journey back to the 1960s with a song that captured the spirit of a generation: “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie. This iconic anthem of the hippie movement is a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant counterculture scene of San Francisco during that era.

Written by John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, “San Francisco” was released in 1967 as a single and later included on Scott McKenzie’s debut album, “The Voice of Scott McKenzie.” The song quickly became a rallying cry for peace, love, and freedom, resonating deeply with the youth of the time.

“San Francisco” climbed the charts with remarkable speed, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving international success. Its dreamy melody and uplifting lyrics captured the imagination of listeners around the world, making it an anthem for the Summer of Love and the flower power movement.

Scott McKenzie’s gentle vocals and sincere delivery added to the song’s appeal, earning him a place in music history as one of the voices of the 1960s counterculture. His ode to San Francisco became synonymous with the city itself, immortalizing its role as a haven for artists, activists, and free spirits.

Decades later, “San Francisco” remains a beloved classic, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time of social upheaval and cultural revolution. Its timeless message of peace and harmony continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of music to inspire change and unite people across generations. So, whether you’re reliving the glory days or discovering this gem for the first time, let the melodic strains of “San Francisco” transport you to a bygone era of love, hope, and possibility.

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