After RTH’s recent global World Cup of Rock ‘n Roll lovefest, I did a little research about my own fair city and found out that there has been a war going on right here in San Francisco. Apparently, there has been SERIOUS disagreement about the city’s official song. It wasn’t enough that Jeanette MacDonald lustily suggested that you “open your golden gates” in the title song from the 1936 film San Francisco. Instead, Tony Bennet‘s later nostalgia about leaving his heart here was viewed as a serious contender for our official song. In this very political of cities, people went to fisticuffs to defend their choice of song, and at one point, a visiting Tony Bennet refused to leave his hotel room if the other San Francisco choice was played at a city event. According to a recent KALW discussion, the conflict was alleviated only when “San Francisco” was named the Official Song and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” was named the Official Ballad.
Honestly, all that sturm und drang over THOSE two songs? There are so many more to choose from! Want to celebrate the Summer of Love? Then choose Scott McKenzie’s “If You’re Going to San Francisco.” Shades of political? Then how about “Tania,” by Camper Van Beethoven? Recollections of times spent here? “San Francisco,” by Kristin Hersh. Pining for a lost love? “Come Back From San Francisco,” by Magnetic Fields. Recognition of local landmarks? “Down on Mission Street,” by Lloyd Cole or “Grace Cathedral Park,” by Red House Painters. You could even bring attention to some of the less savory aspects of this city: “In San Francisco,” by Napalm and Eruption, or “Jumpers,” by Sleater-Kinney.
So, what’s your town or city’s Official Song? Or, what should it be? When I was living in Fairfield County, Connecticut, I would have nominated a version of “Money, That’s What I Want” or “Mother’s Little Helper” as being reflective of the local zeitgeist.
