I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Mitchell Ayres / Perry Como Lyrics
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High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
your golden sun will shine for me!
I left my heart in San Francisco.
High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
your golden sun will shine for me!
The song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" by George Cory and Douglass Cross was first recorded by vaudevillian Tony Bennett in 1962. It became an instant hit and is now considered the unofficial anthem of San Francisco. The song speaks to the idea of leaving a piece of oneself in a place that holds a special meaning.
The lyrics describe the beauty of San Francisco, with its cable cars climbing halfway to the stars and the city's iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The singer speaks of how their heart remains in San Francisco, where their love waits for them above the scenic and windy sea. The morning fog which may chill the air is unimportant because the singer's love for San Francisco is enough to overcome any obstacle.
One interpretation of the song is that it talks about love and loss, as San Francisco is often seen as a symbol of a romantic past or relationship. The song speaks to the idea of wanting to take a piece of the city with you and how it will always hold a special place in your heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my heart in San Francisco.
I left a part of me in the city of San Francisco, which will always hold a special place in my heart.
High on a hill it calls to me
I feel a strong sense of longing and nostalgia towards the city, specifically towards the hilly areas that offer a beautiful view.
to be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars!
I want to be in the city where the cable cars go up the hills, which gives me a feeling of being close to the sky, as if I can touch the stars.
The morning fog may chill the air,
Even though the morning fog that often shrouds the city can make the atmosphere a bit chilly,
I don't care!
I am willing to endure these conditions because I am so deeply in love with the city.
My love waits there in San Francisco,
Someone I love dearly is living in the city, and my feelings of love and longing are directly tied to their presence there.
above the blue and windy sea.
The city is situated on the coast and is surrounded by the vastness and mystery of the ocean, which only adds to its allure.
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
I feel a sense of comfort and familiarity towards the city, as if I am returning to a place I truly belong.
your golden sun will shine for me!
The city has a special atmosphere of warmth and light, which makes it feel like a sunny and welcoming place to be.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE CORY, DOUGLAS CROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind