About the song
“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie is more than just a song; it’s an anthem that encapsulates the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement. Released in 1967, the song became a defining soundtrack for the “Summer of Love,” when thousands of young people flocked to San Francisco, embracing ideals of peace, love, and communal living.
The song was written by John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, specifically for the Monterey Pop Festival, a landmark event in the history of rock music and the counterculture. Phillips, who was a key figure in the festival’s organization, penned the song as an invitation to young people across the country to come to San Francisco and be part of something larger than themselves.
“San Francisco” was released as a single in May 1967, and it quickly became a massive hit. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topped the charts in the United Kingdom and several other countries. The song’s gentle melody, paired with McKenzie’s soothing vocals and the iconic line “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,” resonated deeply with the youth of the time, making it a symbol of the era.
The song’s success was not just due to its catchy tune and memorable lyrics; it also captured the optimism and hope of a generation seeking change. It encouraged people to come together in a city that had become the epicenter of a cultural revolution. Scott McKenzie’s “San Francisco” remains a timeless classic, a reminder of a unique moment in history when music played a vital role in shaping social movements and bringing people together.