I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett

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I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett

I’ve been to San Francisco a couple of times, it’s a very vibrant city. I can completely see why this song was written, it’s one of those places you feel at home as soon as you arrive. Not sure if I left my heart there but have great memories of that city. The steep hills and odd layout make it an interesting place to explore. The cable cars add that bit of Hollywood magic, then the Golden Gate Bridge is just iconic set in the beautiful harbor. We all know the images so it's easy to picture what the singer is trying to tell us.

Add all that feeling into a song, it's starts by comparing San Francisco to other supposed lovely cities, but no where else lives up to his home town. Love the way they've worked the landmarks into the words, it’s like taking a city tour. Tony Bennett’s voice just sets the mood, talk about laid back, what a singer. The orchestral backing is so majestic, it sounds like twinkling lights. The lovely piano intro would stand up against any classical piece of music and it blends into a soundtrack playing through your mind. The clever response of the instruments to lyrics is beautiful.

There are quite a few songs about San Francisco, 'Let's Go to San Francisco' by The Flower Pot Men. But probably the most famous is 'San Francisco' by Scott McKenzie, this ones all about the famous hippie movement and the summer of love.

Favourite lyric : To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars / The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care

Location: Rayleigh, UK

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