Do You Know the Way to San Jose

Dionne Warwick

About Do You Know the Way to San Jose

"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" is a 1968 popular song written and composed for singer Dionne Warwick by Burt Bacharach. Hal David wrote the lyrics. The song was Warwick's biggest international hit to that point, selling several million copies worldwide and winning Warwick her first Grammy Award. David's lyrics tell the story of a native of San Jose, California who, having failed to break into the entertainment field in Los Angeles, is set to return to her hometown. The song was released on the 1968 RIAA Certified Gold album Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls. "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was issued as the follow-up single to the double-sided hit "(Theme from) Valley of the Dolls"/ "I Say a Little Prayer" in April 1968. It became Warwick's third consecutive Top Ten song in the closing months of 1967 and into 1968, punctuating the most successful period of Warwick's recording career. The song peaked at #8 in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. It also charted highly in France, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Lebanon, Japan,and many other countries throughout the world. The single was one of the most successful of Warwick's international hits, selling over 3,500,000 copies worldwide. The flip-side of the single, "Let Me Be Lonely," also penned by Bacharach/David, charted in the Billboard Hot 100 as well and became one of many double-sided hits for Warwick. 


Year:
2019
5:35
16 
#1

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Do you know the way to San Jose?
I've been away so long. I may go wrong and lose my way
Do you know the way to San Jose? 
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose

L.A. is a great big freeway
Put a hundred down and buy a car
In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star
Weeks turn into years. How quick they pass 
And all the stars that never were 
Are parking cars and pumping gas

You can really breathe in San Jose
They've got a lot of space. There'll be a place where I can stay
I was born and raised in San Jose
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose

Fame and fortune is a magnet
It can pull you far away from home
With a dream in your heart you're never alone
Dreams turn into dust and blow away
And there you are without a friend 
You pack your car and ride away

I've got lots of friends in San Jose
Do you know the way to San Jose?

L.A. is a great big freeway
Put a hundred down and buy a car
In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star
Weeks turn into years. How quick they pass 
And all the stars that never were 
Are parking cars and pumping gas

I've got lots of friends in San Jose
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Can't wait to get back to San Jose

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Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick (born Marie Dionne Warrick; December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress and TV show host, who became a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health. more »

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Written by: HAL DAVID, BURT BACHARACH, BURT F. BACHARACH

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" is a popular song styled in the genre of pop, R&B, and soul.
Release Date
It was initially released on April 24, 1968, as a single from Warwick's album "Dionne Warwick in the Valley of the Dolls".
Songwriter Duo
The song was written by the legendary songwriting team Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Chart Success
Upon its release, the song gained popularity and even charted at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and at No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart.
Grammy Award
The song earned Dionne Warwick her first Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
Backstory
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was reportedly written about Dionne's own experiences and feelings of insecurity about residing in California.
Different Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists in different genres. Versions exist in Spanish, French, and other languages. Some of the bands and artists who covered the song include The Carpenters, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Dionne herself made a salsa version of it in 1979.
Cultural References
The city of San Jose, California, has frequently utilized the song in promotional materials. There's even a street in downtown San Jose, called Dionne Warwick Way, named after the singer.
Longevity
Even decades after its release, "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" is still deeply embedded in popular culture and is played on various oldies and adult contemporary radio stations today.
Music Video
Though released before music videos became common, a retro-style animation video was later made featuring a trip through the landmarks of San Jose.

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    "Do You Know the Way to San Jose Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/36199740/Dionne+Warwick/Do+You+Know+the+Way+to+San+Jose>.

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    Do You Know the Way to San Jose

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #10


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