San Francisco by Scott McKenzie

About the song

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” is a quintessential pop anthem from the summer of 1967, famously performed by Scott McKenzie. Written by John Phillips and produced by Phillips alongside Lou Adler, the song was released in May 1967 as part of a promotional campaign for the Monterey International Pop Music Festival. This festival, held in June 1967, is celebrated as a pivotal event in the counterculture movement, and McKenzie’s song became its unofficial anthem.

The track is deeply entwined with the ethos of the 1960s counterculture, which encompassed the Hippie movement, anti-Vietnam War sentiment, and the broader Flower Power revolution. McKenzie’s version of the song has been described as emblematic of the era’s spirit, evoking images of peace, love, and communal unity. Its lyrics, urging listeners to “wear flowers in your hair,” became a rallying cry for young people seeking to express their ideals and connect with the burgeoning cultural scene in San Francisco. Paul Ingles of NPR noted that the song was written in a rapid burst of inspiration by Phillips, who aimed to calm local officials’ fears about the influx of hippies into Monterey. In just about 20 minutes, Phillips crafted a song that captured the heart of a movement.

The song’s release was met with immediate success. It soared to the number four position on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and claimed the top spot on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity extended globally, reaching number one in countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Germany. This widespread acclaim helped the single sell over seven million copies worldwide.

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” has endured as a symbol of the Summer of Love and the broader counterculture movement. It has been featured in numerous films, including *Frantic* (1988), *The Rock* (1996), and *Forrest Gump* (1994), and has been covered by various artists, showcasing its lasting influence. Notable renditions include those by New Order and Michael Marshall, as well as occasional live performances by bands like Led Zeppelin and U2.

The song’s appeal is partly due to its simple yet evocative lyrics, which resonated deeply with the youthful idealism of the 1960s. With its melodic charm and connection to a transformative period in American history, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” remains a defining piece of pop music from that era and a lasting testament to the cultural revolution it helped to define.

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