Few songs are as associated with flower power and counterculture as Scott McKenzie’s “San Francisco”. Released as “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” on May 13, 1967, the song became one of the most well-known and defining Summer of Love anthems. In this article, I will delve into the story, meaning, and legacy behind the iconic song.
John Phillips’ Creation
John Phillips – known as the leader of The Mamas & the Papas – wrote “San Francisco” in 1967 to promote the Monterey International Pop Festival. The festival was one of the highlights of the Summer of Love and featured iconic performances from Jimi Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, and The Who. Phillips was one of the organizers of the festival and wrote the song to capture the spirit of the then-upcoming event.
Scott McKenzie’s Involvement
John Phillips wrote the song in the presence of his good friend Scott McKenzie. The two met each other as teenagers and were bandmates in the folk group The Journeyman. According to Phillips, McKenzie suggested the lyrical theme of the song, after which Phillips wrote “San Francisco” in about 30 minutes.
During the same time, The Mamas & the Papas’ producer Lou Adler asked John Phillips to write a hit song for his new label Ode Records. Since Scott McKenzie was the first artist Adler signed, it was only logical Phillips gave the song to his good friend Scott McKenzie.
The Meaning of the Song
“San Francisco” is a song that encourages people to visit San Francisco, the center of the 1967 Summer of Love, and to embrace the spirit of peace and love. The song was specially written to promote the Monterey International Pop Festival.
Part of the song’s inspiration were the people of Monterey, who weren’t happy with the fact a major festival was taking place in their city. They were afraid their city would be overrun by people. The song was a call to action to young adults all over the United States to come to San Francisco in peace.
Release of San Francisco
“San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” was released as a single on May 13, 1967. The song peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the charts for 12 weeks.
Oddly enough, the song had more chart success outside of the United States. The song topped the charts in 9 countries, including the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.
The Song’s Legacy
“San Francisco” grew out to be much more than a promo song for the Monterey International Pop Festival. The single became the anthem of the Summer of Love, a counterculture monument, and a 1960s classic. The song’s nostalgic sound combined with the message of peace and love continues to resonate with people to this very day, even if they’ve never lived in the 60s, even if they’ve never been to San Francisco.
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