Come Back from San Francisco Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Come back from San Francisco
It can't be all that pretty
When all of New York City misses you
Should pretty boys in discos
Distract you from your novel
Remember I'm awful in love with you
[Chorus]
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
[Verse 2]
Come back from San Francisco
And kiss me, I've quit smoking
I miss doing the wild thing with you
Will you stay, I don't think so
But all I do is worry
Pack bags, call cabs, and hurry home to me
[Chorus]
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
Come back from San Francisco
It can't be all that pretty
When all of New York City misses you
Should pretty boys in discos
Distract you from your novel
Remember I'm awful in love with you
[Chorus]
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
[Verse 2]
Come back from San Francisco
And kiss me, I've quit smoking
I miss doing the wild thing with you
Will you stay, I don't think so
But all I do is worry
Pack bags, call cabs, and hurry home to me
[Chorus]
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
You need me like the wind needs the trees to blow in
Like the moon needs poetry
You need me
About
Genius Annotation
“Come Back from San Francisco” is a desperate lament from The Magnetic Fields, an art form composer Stephin Merritt frequents.
Shirley Simms sings this track to a man from the point of view of another man. His lover has left New York City for gay mecca San Francisco, and he struggles to realize that his need for his partner isn’t mutual.
Illustration by Mat Pringle
The track is built around a folk-rock electric guitar line, with a tone and timbre that could have been plucked from a Lovin' Spoonful or Mamas and the Papas track.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 5.Reno Dakota
- 7.Come Back from San Francisco
- 12.The Book of Love
- 16.Punk Love
- 17.Parades Go By
- 18.Boa Constrictor
- 22.Sweet-Lovin’ Man
- 24.Roses
- 28.Very Funny
- 29.Grand Canyon
- 31.If You Don’t Cry
- 34.My Only Friend
- 36.World Love
- 37.Washington, D.C.
- 40.Papa Was a Rodeo
- 46.I Shatter
- 47.Underwear
- 48.It’s a Crime
- 51.Acoustic Guitar
- 54.Bitter Tears
- 56.Yeah! Oh, Yeah!
- 58.Meaningless
- 61.Blue You
- 67.Strange Eyes
- 68.Xylophone Track
- 69.Zebra
Credits
Produced By
Written By
Backing Vocals
Lead Vocals
Release Date
September 7, 1999
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