San Francisco
The Musicmakers Lyrics
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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
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
The Musicmakers’s popular song “San Francisco” is a tribute to the city of San Francisco during the summer of love in 1967. The lyrics not only urge people to visit the city but also provide a glimpse of what they can expect to experience during their visit. The opening line of the song goes “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair”, this is a reference to the trend in the 60s where hippies would adorn their hair with flowers as a symbol of peace and love. It is also an indication of the relaxed and carefree mood prevalent in the city at the time, where people could express themselves freely without fear of judgment.
The song emphasizes the warm and welcoming nature of the city and its inhabitants. The phrase “gentle people” is repeated throughout the song, implying that the community is very friendly and accommodating towards those who visit or reside in the city. The lyrics also mention “summertime” which is often associated with the peak tourist season in San Francisco. It is a time when the city hosts many music festivals, protests, and gatherings of people who share a common goal or interest.
The lines “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” is a reference to the counterculture movement that was sweeping across America during the late 60s. The song encourages people to join this movement and take part in the social and political changes that were taking place in the nation. In conclusion, the song serves as both an invitation and a tribute to the city that was the epicenter of the countercultural revolution in America.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're going to San Francisco
Before you set out for San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
Make sure to adorn your hair with flowers
If you're going to San Francisco
If you're taking a trip to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there
You will encounter kind, compassionate individuals in the area
For those who come to San Francisco
Regarding those who visit San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
The summertime will be a time of love and happiness
In the streets of San Francisco
Throughout the roads of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair
People who are gentle and appreciative, adorned with flowers in their hair
All across the nation
Everywhere in the country
such a strange vibration
A peculiar atmosphere
People in motion
Individuals moving about
There's a whole generation
An entire generation of individuals
with a new explanation
having a unique interpretation or viewpoint
People in motion
People moving around
people in motion
People in movement
For those who come to San Francisco
Regarding those who visit San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
Make certain to put some flowers in your hair
If you come to San Francisco
In the case that you visit San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
Summer will be a time of love and contentment in the area
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.