San Francisco has long been a source of inspiration for musicians, with its striking cityscape, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural history. If you’re looking for songs that reference San Francisco in the lyrics, you’ve come to the right place. From classic rock tunes to more recent indie hits, many artists have paid tribute to the City by the Bay in their music.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There are dozens of popular songs across various genres that reference San Francisco in the lyrics, from Tony Bennett’s ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ to Journey’s ‘Lights’ to Coolio’s ‘Fantastic Voyage.’ Some of the most well-known examples include ‘San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)’ by Scott McKenzie, ‘Dirty Old Town’ by The Pogues, ‘Dock of the Bay’ by Otis Redding, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an in-depth look at over 25 songs that mention San Francisco in the lyrics. We’ll explore the songs chronologically, starting from the 1960s up through more recent decades. For each song, we’ll discuss details about the lyrics that reference San Francisco, how the city ties into the meaning of the song, and any interesting background about the song’s history. Whether you’re a music buff looking to expand your knowledge or simply a fan of San Francisco searching for tributes to the city in song, you’ll find plenty of great options in this list.
Songs from the 1960s
‘San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)’ by Scott McKenzie
Released in 1967 at the dawn of the summer of love, this folk rock song pays tribute to the counterculture movement and hippie culture rising in San Francisco at the time. The lyrics encourage people to visit San Francisco, wear flowers, and join the peaceful celebration happening there.
It captures the spirit of the era and the city’s role as a hub for the cultural revolution of the 1960s.
‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ by Tony Bennett
Arguably the most famous song about San Francisco, this classic ballad was released by Tony Bennett in 1962. With lyrics like ‘The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay, The glory that was Rome is of another day’ and ‘I left my heart in San Francisco, High on a hill, it calls to me,’ it encapsulates the singer’s love for the city.
The song has become an anthem for San Francisco and is often associated with the city’s charm and beauty.
‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ by Otis Redding
Though not specifically about San Francisco, this 1968 hit by Otis Redding references the city’s dock and bay in the chorus lyrics. It was recorded just days before Redding’s untimely death in a plane crash.
The song’s soulful melody and poignant lyrics evoke a sense of longing and contemplation, making it a timeless classic. Despite its tragic backstory, ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ continues to be associated with San Francisco and its iconic waterfront.
These songs from the 1960s provide a glimpse into the cultural and musical landscape of San Francisco during that era. They reflect the spirit of the counterculture movement, the city’s allure, and the emotions associated with it.
Whether it’s the call to wear flowers in your hair, the declaration of a love left behind, or the contemplation by the bay, these songs capture the essence of San Francisco in the 1960s.
Songs from the 1970s
‘Lights’ by Journey
Released in 1978 by rock band Journey, this soaring track pays homage to San Francisco’s nighttime city lights. With lyrics like “When the lights go down in the City and the sun shines on the bay, I want to be there in my City,” it captures the magical appeal of the city after dark.
The song perfectly encapsulates the enchanting atmosphere of San Francisco when the sun sets and the city comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. It is no wonder that this song has become an anthem for the city, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the beauty of San Francisco.
‘San Francisco Days’ by Chris Isaak
This upbeat 1987 track by Chris Isaak playfully recounts memories of falling in love one summer in San Francisco. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the essence of the city during the 1970s.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a carefree and romantic time, showcasing the allure of San Francisco as a backdrop for love and adventure. It’s a song that transports listeners back to a bygone era and reminds them of the magic that can be found in the streets of San Francisco.
Songs from the 1980s & 1990s
‘We Built This City’ by Starship
In this 1985 rock anthem, Starship (formerly Jefferson Starship) proudly sings about San Francisco’s vibrant, eclectic music scene and history of rock innovation. The song’s catchy chorus, ‘We built this city on rock and roll,’ has become an iconic line associated with the city.
The lyrics capture the spirit of San Francisco as a hub of creativity and musical expression during the 1980s.
‘San Francisco’ by The Mowgli’s
Indie rock band The Mowgli’s released their track ‘San Francisco’ in 2013, which reminisces about driving into the city for the first time and seeing the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. The song captures the sense of awe and excitement that many people feel when they first visit San Francisco.
It conveys a message of hope and the possibility of starting a new life chapter in the vibrant city.
‘Back to the Hotel’ by N2Deep
This 1992 hip hop track by N2Deep is set in San Francisco’s Mission District. The song tells a story about the adventures of picking up girls and partying in the city. It provides a glimpse into the lively nightlife and party culture of San Francisco during the 1990s.
The catchy beats and lyrics of ‘Back to the Hotel’ make it a popular track that captures the essence of the city’s hip hop scene at the time.
Songs from the 2000s & Today
‘San Francisco’ by Foxygen
Psychedelic rock band Foxygen recorded this dreamy 2013 track celebrating San Francisco’s perpetual pleasant weather, pretty sights, and carefree vibes. With its whimsical lyrics and catchy melody, ‘San Francisco’ captures the essence of the city’s laid-back atmosphere.
The song’s nostalgic tone and references to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury neighborhood make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a song that embodies the spirit of San Francisco, look no further than ‘San Francisco’ by Foxygen.
‘Fantastic Voyage’ by Coolio
Rapper Coolio’s 1994 hit describes a road trip from L.A. up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, referencing the city’s hills, sights, and neighborhoods. ‘Fantastic Voyage’ paints a vivid picture of the journey to the City by the Bay, showcasing the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture along the way.
The song’s energetic beats and Coolio’s smooth flow make it a timeless anthem for those embarking on their own fantastic voyage to San Francisco.
Conclusion
From the 1960s Summer of Love anthems to more modern tributes, San Francisco has continued to inspire great music over the decades. As this extensive list demonstrates, from rock and pop to rap and indie, countless talented musicians have found muse in the city’s inimitable sights, atmosphere, and culture. Whether paying homage to the Golden Gate Bridge, describing driving over the hills into the city, or simply name-dropping neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, many iconic songs have forever cemented San Francisco’s place in music history. So next time you’re listening to great songs about cities, be sure to appreciate the many classics that give musical love letters to San Francisco.
