"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was written and composed by Burt Bacharach; Hal David wrote the lyrics. Singer Dionne Warwick had to be convinced to record the song, but having done so, enjoyed the success as it charted in the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 songs in 1968.

The song tells the story of a native of San Jose, California who is returning to her hometown after failing to break into the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

Despite never liking the song, Warwick has included it in almost every concert performed. Warwick won her first Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song in 1969.